Hundreds of Americans evacuated Iran before US strikes on nuclear sites
The past week saw hundreds of U.S. citizens being evacuated from Iran ahead of America’s planned strikes on three key nuclear sites in the country. According to an internal State Department cable, while many Americans were able to leave without any issues, numerous citizens faced delays and harassment during their evacuation process. In fact, two citizens were reportedly detained while attempting to leave Iran.
The challenges faced by Americans trying to leave Iran highlight the difficulties that Washington has in assisting its nationals in a country with which the U.S. has not had diplomatic relations since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The State Department has emphasized that U.S. citizens may encounter more obstacles when exiting Iran compared to those with U.S.-Iranian dual citizenship.
A State Department spokesperson reiterated the department’s warning against travel to Iran due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and wrongful detention. U.S.-Iranian dual nationals are advised to exit on Iranian passports and should be prepared for questioning by Iranian authorities. The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and treats U.S.-Iranian dual nationals as Iranian citizens.
For those planning to leave Iran, the State Department has opened a crisis intake form for U.S. citizens to provide information about consular assistance. The department has also recommended utilizing land routes through Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Turkey for departure as Iranian airspace remains closed. Although the government does not anticipate offering direct U.S. government-assisted departure from Iran, assistance may be available once individuals have exited the country.
While the State Department does not have official figures, it is estimated that thousands of U.S. citizens reside in Iran. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that the administration is exploring various options, including military, commercial, charter flights, and cruise ships, to evacuate U.S. citizens from Iran.
In conclusion, the evacuation of U.S. citizens from Iran amid escalating tensions in the region underscores the challenges faced by Americans in a country with strained diplomatic relations. The State Department continues to provide guidance and support to U.S. citizens seeking to leave Iran, emphasizing the importance of safety and security in such uncertain times.
