A State Department cable distributed to diplomats last Friday reveals an unsettling situation. Hundreds of American citizens have been leaving Iran by crossing its land borders. This exodus has been unfolding over the past week as Israel launched attacks on nuclear and military sites within the Islamic Republic.
According to reliable sources, namely The Washington Post, the cable illustrates the jeopardy facing these Americans. They are at risk not only from the Israeli strikes but also from the Iranian regime itself. In their attempts to flee the country, some US citizens have reportedly faced “delays and harassment” from Iranian authorities. There are even a few unverified claims of Americans being detained and imprisoned. Such reports are currently under scrutiny by U.S. diplomats.
The cable included a note about Turkmenistan, which borders northern Iran. It appears that over 100 requests from the U.S. embassy in Ashgabat for U.S. citizens to cross into Turkmenistan have not been granted. Consequently, the State Department is advising U.S. citizens within Iran to seek alternative exit routes.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated on Friday that there are no plans for the Trump administration to facilitate a “direct U.S.-government-assisted departure” from Iran. Instead, Americans seeking to leave the country should utilize “existing means.”
The exact number of U.S. citizens currently in Iran is unknown. However, U.S. officials estimate the figure to be in the thousands. Amid the hostilities in Israel, the West Bank, and Iran, the State Department has provided information and support to approximately 25,000 people, according to Bruce.
The U.S. and Iran have not maintained diplomatic relations since 1980, following a revolution in Iran that led to the establishment of a repressive theocracy and a notable hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran. Switzerland has since served as a protective power for the U.S. in Iran, with the Swiss embassy in Tehran housing a U.S. Interests Section.
However, due to the escalating conflict, the Swiss embassy temporarily closed, with Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano among the last group of diplomats to leave Iran. Despite this, the Swiss government announced they “will continue to function as an intermediary transmitting communications between the US and Iran as and when both parties consider appropriate.”
In response to the situation, Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel and threatened to target U.S. interests in the Middle East should the U.S. directly engage in the conflict. Despite the escalating tensions, the White House asserted on Thursday that President Donald Trump is still pursuing a diplomatic resolution, setting a two-week timeline for negotiations to yield a suitable breakthrough.
To conclude, this is a rapidly evolving situation with American citizens caught in the crossfire of international conflict. We’re reminded, once again, of the importance of staying informed and seeking the truth in all matters.
