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The U.S. virtual embassy in Iran on Friday urged American citizens to leave the country “now” if possible and to have a plan for departure that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
In a security alert posted on its website, the embassy cited increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions and widespread internet blockages. It said Iranian authorities continue to restrict access to mobile, landline and national internet networks, while airlines are limiting or canceling flights to and from Iran.
“U.S. citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye,” the advisory said.
The alert warned that U.S. citizens face a significant risk of questioning, arrest or detention in Iran, advising them to avoid demonstrations and “keep a low profile.” It said those unable to leave should find a secure location and maintain supplies of food, water, medications and other essential items.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers that he does not know what final decision U.S. President Donald Trump will make regarding Iran, Israeli media reported Thursday.
Israel’s Channel 12 said Netanyahu made the remarks during a closed-door meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, where he discussed possible military action against Iran and planned negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Oman.
According to the report, Netanyahu said coordination with the United States was at “the highest possible level,” but acknowledged uncertainty over Trump’s ultimate stance. He also warned that Israel was prepared to carry out a “much larger and harsher” strike if attacked, exceeding the scale of strikes carried out last June.
Israeli media reported that Iran was barely discussed during a security cabinet meeting that ended late Thursday, with the session instead focusing on the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority, whose tax revenues have been seized by Israel.
Ahead of talks with the United States in Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that Tehran is engaging in diplomacy “in good faith,” stressing that commitments must be honored.
“Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year. We engage in good faith and stand firm on our rights,” Araghchi said in a post on X, adding that equal standing, mutual respect and mutual interests are “a must and the pillars of a durable agreement.”
Washington and Tehran are scheduled to hold nuclear negotiations in Oman on Friday. The U.S. side will be represented by President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran will be represented by a delegation headed by Araghchi, who arrived in Muscat, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
The talks had been in doubt earlier this week, but a White House official confirmed they would take place. The negotiations come amid heightened tensions, including an American military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated threats of military action by Trump.
The United States and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, while Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation.
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