The U.S. State Department issued an advisory that included a strong recommendation for Americans, especially those of Iranian heritage, not to travel to Iran because of the danger of terrorism, arbitrary arrest, and detention. What makes this warning so novel is the current or rapidly escalating regional tension and especially the increasing risk of war once again between Iran and US which can combine with a significant level of concern for the safety of American nationals traveling abroad.
When you need to understand:
Risk of Detention:
The Iranian regime does not recognize dual nationality and routinely denies consular access to U.S citizens who are detained after an arbitrary arrest and gives them an ultimatum to leave Iran. Therefore, the mere fact of having a U.S. passport, or being related to someone with connections to the United States can lead to being detained by Iranian authorities. The conflict can further result in a war situation between both sides.
Arbitrary Arrest:
U.S. citizens in Iran, including dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, have been kidnapped or arrested without warning which is illegal and without evidence to justify or back any claims of a crime committed to justify the arrest. Some detainees have been held for years on false charges who shared deep concerns on the situation inflicted with mental torture quietly sentenced to death, and denied any substantive legal processes which proves the point of US as they claimed the arrested citizens of United states are innocent and have nothing to do with terrorism or either terrorist groups.
Terrorism and Regional Hostility:
Armed groups that are connected to or potentially backed by Iran are operating in the region and present a significant danger to Americans and anyone connected to the state of the United States. Iran claimed that the arrested citizens are related to terrorist groups which are a danger to Iran and its integrity.
What will the U.S. State Department do:
ew Awareness Campaign:
The U.S. State Department has implemented a new awareness campaign that warns travelers to Iran, and its focus is on U.S citizens traveling. The awareness campaigns seek to prevent regional hostilities from impacting American citizens travelling abroad. The program’s details can be found on their dedicated website, and it also includes further advisories.
Travel Advisory:
The US State Department has issued a travel advisory “Do Not Travel” for Iran, indicating that the travel is unsafe for anybody, especially dual citizens with Iranian heritage as Iran is capturing US citizens without any charges and it can be dangerous. You can also visit online websites for better guidance including airlines websites such as Skyscanner and flight. On the other hand, always keep in mind to contact your airline agency or travelling agent before planning to visit Iran. This is a compulsory preventive measure for US citizens as it can protect them from future chaos.
Current Situation and Diplomatic Engagements:
Recent Spikes in Tension:
The warning follows recent spikes in tensions between the US and Iran, after a sizable escalation of hostilities by Israel against the state of Iran and US military engagements that have led to further chaos between both sides.
Diplomatic Engagements:
Even as tensions have escalated, there seems to be medical diplomatic engagements taking place, with President Donald Trump recently suggesting that hostilities between the US and Iran could be avoided and the president of the US didn’t give any official statement against citizens of Iran who are currently in the US. Preliminary conversations seem to be booked between the US and Iran, and both of them seem to want to de-escalate downward to a resolution.
Things to remember before travelling to iran:
Avoid Traveling to Iran: Americans, and especially dual citizens with Iranian heritage —without any specific reason for travelling should immediately avoid travel to Iran because of the serious risks.
Stay Informed: Try to stay current on travel advisories by contacting your traveling agent and safety information on the Department of State’s website for updates.
Conclusion:
If you must travel to Iran, be very cautious and read the travel advisories and remember that going is a risk and always be in contact with your traveling agent. It is worth mentioning that the US might in future ban Iran visa and also delay its ongoing flights as according to the United States of America it can be dangerous for people in the US.
