The US State Department has advised American citizens to leave Iran immediately, citing ongoing protests and a violent government crackdown. In a statement, the department urged citizens to consider departing by land to Armenia or Turkey if safe to do so. It also warned of continued internet outages and advised travellers to plan alternative communication methods and not rely on US government assistance.
The protests, which have reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths, have drawn international condemnation. Iran's UN ambassador accused the US and Israel of bearing responsibility for the loss of civilian lives, while Russia condemned what it called 'subversive external interference' in Iran's internal affairs. The UK summoned the Iranian ambassador to express concern over the use of force against peaceful protesters.
US President Donald Trump has warned of 'very strong action' if Iran proceeds with executions of protesters, though he did not specify what measures would be taken. Reports from the Kurdish rights group Hengaw indicate that a 26-year-old man, Erfan Soltani, is set to be executed in connection with the protests, with authorities confirming the death sentence is final.
