U.S. Urges Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

As military hostilities intensify between Iran and Israel, the United States has issued a high-level security alert urging American citizens to leave Iran immediately. This follows a rapid escalation in military strikes, drone attacks, and missile launches between the two nations.

In a public statement issued via the U.S. Virtual Embassy Tehran, the State Department warned: “U.S. citizens in Iran face serious, increasing dangers due to rising regional tensions.” The alert emphasized that the U.S. government has no consular presence in Iran and cannot guarantee assistance or evacuation.

Widening Military Escalation: Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Tehran Hit

The warning comes amid the most intense direct military conflict between Israel and Iran to date. Following the death of several high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guards commanders and nuclear scientists in Israeli airstrikes earlier this week, Iran launched a wide-scale missile and drone attack on Israeli territory.

According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, the response marked the beginning of a “crushing retaliation,” involving hundreds of ballistic missiles fired toward Israel.

Confirmed targets include:

• Tel Aviv: Multiple explosions were reported, with missiles hitting residential and commercial zones. At least 12 fatalities and dozens of injuries have been confirmed.
• Haifa: A major oil refinery sustained heavy damage after a direct missile strike. Israeli officials reported fire suppression efforts underway and temporary shutdown of operations.
• Bat Yam & Petah Tikva: Strategic command centers and communication hubs were targeted by Iranian drones.
• Southern Israel: Air raid sirens sounded in Beersheba and Ashkelon as long-range projectiles entered deep into Israeli airspace.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with continued airstrikes targeting Iranian missile batteries, Quds Force command posts, and nuclear infrastructure, including locations in Tehran, Natanz, Tabriz, and Kermanshah.

One airstrike reportedly hit a Tehran TV station and a hospital, prompting international concern over civilian casualties. Iran claims over 400 deaths, including civilians and military personnel.

Airspace Closed, Land Routes Open with Restrictions

Amid this escalation, the U.S. warns its citizens in Iran that Iranian airspace remains closed and outbound commercial flights are suspended.

The following border updates were provided:

• Armenia (Agarak): Border is open as of June 14.
• Türkiye (Gürbulak, Kapiköy, Esendere): Borders open, but non-Turkish nationals may face Iranian restrictions. Flights from eastern Türkiye are limited.
• Azerbaijan (Astara): Border is closed to general traffic but may allow U.S. citizens with special authorization coordinated via the U.S. Embassy in Baku.

“You should leave only if you believe it is safe to do so,” the State Department advised, highlighting the lack of consular support and unpredictable border controls.

Official Statements

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared, “Israel must expect severe punishment for this act of war.” He accused Israel of “criminal aggression” for strikes that killed IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and six nuclear scientists.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s operation, dubbed “Rising Lion”, would continue “as long as necessary to neutralize the Iranian threat.”

U.S. President Donald Trump, while expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself, stated: “It’s not too late for Tehran to halt the bombing and come to the table for a nuclear deal.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that the U.S. is not directly involved in the military operations but warned Iran against targeting U.S. assets in the region.

What U.S. Citizens in Iran Should Do

• Leave Iran immediately, if safe to do so.
• If you cannot leave, shelter in place with adequate supplies (food, water, medicine).
• Stay in contact with family and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• For emergency help:
  • Email: BernACS@state.gov (subject: “IRN”)
  • Call: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
  • For those pursuing exit via Azerbaijan, contact: BakuACS@state.gov