Canada, US Urge Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Intensifying Protests | Quick Digest

Canada, US Urge Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Intensifying Protests | Quick Digest
Canada and the United States have issued urgent advisories for their citizens to immediately leave Iran, citing intensifying nationwide protests, a violent government crackdown, and the high risk of arbitrary detention. The warnings highlight regional tensions and severe disruptions to daily life and communications.

Global Affairs Canada urged citizens to 'leave Iran now' due to protests.

US State Department issued similar 'Leave Iran now' advisory for Americans.

Protests in Iran are widespread and fueled by economic grievances.

Iranian authorities are using lethal force and arbitrary detentions.

Internet and mobile services are restricted, hindering information flow.

Consular services for foreign nationals in Iran are severely limited.

Canada's Global Affairs has issued an urgent travel advisory, strongly urging all Canadian citizens to "leave Iran now" due to escalating nationwide protests, heightened regional tensions, and a significant risk of arbitrary detention and unpredictable enforcement of local laws. The advisory, updated recently, underscores the Iranian authorities' practice of arresting and detaining individuals, including foreign and dual nationals, often to exert political or diplomatic influence on their governments. It also highlights the severely limited capacity of Canadian consular services within Iran. Mirroring Canada's stance, the United States State Department and its virtual embassy in Iran have also advised American citizens to "Leave Iran now." This warning cites the intensification of protests across the country, the potential for violence, arrests, injuries, and severe disruptions to essential services and communications. U.S. citizens unable to leave are advised to secure supplies and have a departure plan that does not rely on government assistance, with overland routes to Armenia or Turkey suggested as alternatives. The current wave of protests in Iran is described as widespread and intense, reportedly driven by economic grievances, the rising cost of living, and broader anti-regime sentiments. Human rights organizations and news reports indicate a brutal crackdown by Iranian authorities, involving the use of lethal force, mass arrests, and significant casualties. Some reports suggest death tolls potentially in the thousands, marking this as a particularly violent period. The Iranian government has also imposed severe restrictions on internet and mobile access, making it challenging to ascertain the full extent of the unrest and crackdown. This critical development has been corroborated by multiple credible international news organizations, emphasizing the serious and deteriorating security situation for foreign nationals in Iran. The advisories serve as a stark warning to all citizens of Canada and the United States currently in the country.
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