Tensions in Iran have escalated to a point where Americans living in the country are being told to leave immediately.
The US virtual embassy issued an urgent warning on Monday, urging citizens to depart Iran while the country is engulfed in violent protests that have reportedly killed nearly 600 people.
Authorities emphasized that the situation is too dangerous for US nationals to remain, advising them to consider leaving by land through neighboring Armenia or Turkey.
For those unable to travel, the guidance is to secure a safe location inside their homes or another secure building and stock up on essential supplies.
Trump Signals Strong Response
President Donald Trump has been closely monitoring the crisis and has repeatedly warned Tehran about potential US military action if the Iranian government uses deadly force against protesters.
Reports indicate that Trump has been briefed on a variety of options, including cyber operations, psychological campaigns, and airstrikes inside Iran.
On Monday, Trump announced his first concrete measure in response to the unrest: a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran. China, Brazil, Turkey, and Russia are among the nations affected.
Trump declared the tariff “final and conclusive” in a post on Truth Social, underscoring his administration’s hardline stance.
Iran’s Leadership Responds
Iran’s officials have maintained a defiant tone amid the crisis.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told diplomats that the government has regained “total control” of the situation, while blaming the US and Israel for the unrest—though no evidence was provided.
He also insisted that Iran remains open to diplomacy, with spokesman Esmail Baghaei adding that any talks with the US must be based on mutual respect, rather than unilateral demands.
Despite these statements, questions remain over what concessions Iran might realistically offer, particularly concerning its nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, which Tehran views as essential for national defense.
Potential US Actions on the Table
Inside the White House, Trump and his national security team are weighing a wide spectrum of responses.
Sources say options include cyberattacks, direct military strikes, and coordinated action with allies such as Israel.
Trump himself has hinted that the US could respond “at levels they’ve never been hit before” if Iran retaliates.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced this stance, noting that the messages Trump has received privately from Iran differ significantly from the public rhetoric.
Some administration officials, however, are skeptical that military strikes would be effective in resolving the situation.
Protests Continue Amid Internet Blackout
With phone lines and the internet largely down, it has become challenging for the international community to monitor the scale of unrest in Iran.
Despite the blackout, footage from Tehran and Iran’s second-largest city suggests that tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, calling for an end to the regime’s rule.
Protesters chanted slogans including “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” while Iranian authorities warned that anyone participating could face the death penalty, labeling them “enemies of God.”
Over 10,600 people have reportedly been detained during the two-week wave of demonstrations, with 510 protesters and 89 security personnel killed, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
State Media Seeks to Control the Narrative
Iranian state television has been broadcasting pro-government demonstrations and messaging, attempting to project an image of control.
On Monday afternoon, footage showed crowds in Tehran’s Enghelab Square, framed as an “uprising against American-Zionist terrorism.”
While these rallies were heavily covered, state media largely avoided addressing the economic grievances and other domestic frustrations driving the unrest.
What Lies Ahead
The situation in Iran remains fluid and unpredictable.
Americans in the country are facing immediate danger, while international leaders, including Trump, deliberate over responses ranging from diplomacy to military intervention.
With the communication blackout and ongoing demonstrations, the world is watching closely, uncertain how the crisis will unfold next.
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