Trump Warns Americans to 'Leave Iran NOW' Amid Reports of Potential Aerial Strikes

Washington, D.C. – January 12, 2026 – The Trump administration has issued an urgent warning to U.S. citizens in Iran, advising them to "leave Iran now" as anti-government protests continue to grip the Islamic Republic and the death toll from the regime's crackdown reportedly climbs into the hundreds.

The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran released a stark security alert on Monday, emphasizing that ongoing demonstrations are "escalating" and could turn increasingly violent. With widespread internet outages, suspended commercial flights until at least January 16, and limited communication options, the advisory urges Americans to plan departures by land routes to neighboring Armenia or Turkey if possible. Those unable to leave immediately are instructed to shelter in secure locations with essential supplies, without relying on U.S. government assistance for evacuation.

The alert comes against the backdrop of nationwide unrest that began in late December over economic grievances, including the collapse of the Iranian rial and soaring living costs. What started as protests against financial hardship has evolved into broader calls for change against the clerical regime, spreading across all 31 provinces. Human rights groups and medical sources report that security forces have killed more than 500 protesters, with thousands detained amid an intensifying suppression that includes internet blackouts and arrests.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly signaled strong U.S. involvement, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that the military is examining "very strong options" and warning that any further lethal crackdown could prompt decisive action. Multiple U.S. officials have confirmed that Trump has been briefed on potential military responses, including large-scale aerial strikes targeting Iranian military sites or even nonmilitary locations in Tehran. While no final decision has been made, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that airstrikes remain "on the table," though diplomacy is preferred as the first approach.

Trump has also claimed that Iranian officials reached out to negotiate, potentially over the country's nuclear program, but cautioned that ongoing violence might force U.S. intervention before talks can proceed. In a dramatic economic move tied directly to the crisis, the president announced on Truth Social that "effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America." This measure appears aimed at isolating Tehran financially, with major trading partners like China facing immediate pressure.

Iranian leaders have responded defiantly. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that U.S. military bases, ships, and personnel in the region—along with Israel—would become "legitimate targets" in the event of an American strike. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other officials have accused the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating the protests as part of a broader plot against the regime.

The situation marks one of the most volatile moments in U.S.-Iran relations since the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last June. Analysts caution that any military action could risk broader escalation, civilian casualties in densely populated areas, or a rally-around-the-flag effect that strengthens hardliners in Tehran.

As protests persist and the regime tightens its grip, the coming days could prove decisive. The White House has indicated further briefings on Iran options are planned imminently, leaving the international community watching closely for signs of diplomatic breakthrough—or conflict. U.S. citizens in Iran are urged to monitor official channels and act swiftly on the evacuation advisory. 17GEN4.com