Iran: US citizens told to evacuate Islamic Republic as ominous official warning reissued
US citizens have been told to leave Iran immediately in a newly-released alert from the American "virtual embassy".The warning encourages citizens to depart Iran by land to Turkey or Armenia.It says that increased security measures, road closures, public transport disruptions, and internet blockages are still ongoing in the Islamic Republic - despite vicious protests having cooled since earlier this year."Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US Government help," it adds."If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items."Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans."The last time "leave Iran now" guidance was issued fell on January 13 amid fears Donald Trump would strike the country.But the new alert comes as the US and Tehran come together for face-to-face nuclear talks in Oman.President Donald Trump has pushed Iran to have no nuclear programme | REUTERSA meeting is scheduled today in the key British ally, with the US seeking to discuss Iran’s missile arsenal, while Tehran has insisted on focusing on its disputed nuclear programme.But Mr Trump has threatened to carry out strikes on Iran if an agreement cannot be reached.The White House said on Thursday that while diplomacy is the first choice for dealing with Iran, the President has warned military options are available.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Mr Trump’s demands for Iran to have no nuclear capability.She told reporters: “He wants to see if a deal can be struck, and while these negotiations are taking place, I would remind the Iranian regime that the president has many options at his disposal, aside from diplomacy, as the commander in chief of the most powerful military in the history of the world.”Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran would approach talks “with authority and with the aim of reaching a fair, mutually acceptable and dignified understanding on the nuclear issue”.“We hope the American side will also participate in this process with responsibility, realism and seriousness,” Mr Baghaei added.Some Arab officials who have been in close contact with the White House believe that an agreement will be made.Ayatollah Khamenei has warned of regional conflict if the US strikes Iran | GETTYIran has said its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful, not military, purposes.The US has built up forces in the Middle East, which Mr Trump has called a massive "armada".It has sent thousands of troops to the region, as well as an aircraft carrier, other warships, fighter jets, and spy planes.Mr Trump has warned that "bad things" could happen if a deal is not made.
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