The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran issued an urgent security alert early Friday urging American citizens to “leave Iran now” and prepare departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance amid rising regional tensions and looming negotiations with Tehran.

The advisory warned that heightened security measures, ongoing road closures, public transportation disruptions, internet outages, and limited airline services could compromise safety and travel options for U.S. nationals in Iran. It also said U.S.-Iranian dual nationals should use Iranian passports to exit since Iran does not recognize dual citizenship, treating dual citizens solely as Iranian nationals.

The warning comes as American and Iranian officials prepared for a new round of talks in Muscat, Oman, scheduled Friday, focused on Iran’s nuclear program and other critical issues. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman ahead of the meeting with U.S. envoys, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, marking a rare direct engagement amid tense bilateral relations.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high following a 12-day conflict involving Israel in June 2025 and a U.S. military buildup in the Gulf. The United States has pressed Iran to limit its nuclear enrichment and missile development, but Iranian officials insist that nuclear discussions alone should define negotiations, complicating prospects for a breakthrough.

Analysts have expressed deep skepticism about the talks producing significant progress, citing fundamental disagreements and mutual distrust. The security alert reinforces a long-standing U.S. “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” advisory for Iran and highlights the practical risks Americans face without diplomatic or consular representation in the country.

The alert’s timing, just days before the scheduled negotiations in Oman, underscores the gravity of the situation and the tenuous prospects for de-escalation even as official diplomatic efforts proceed.