Washington, July 11 – The US Department of State has launched a renewed public awareness campaign urging Americans—particularly Iranian Americans—not to travel to Iran, citing the continued threat of wrongful detention, psychological torture, and even execution by Iranian authorities.
In a strong statement shared on social media, the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs said, “US citizens should NOT travel to Iran for any reason.” It warned that individuals, including dual US-Iranian nationals, have been arbitrarily detained without evidence, often on false charges. “Having a US passport or ties to the United States can be enough reason for arrest,” the department added.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated these concerns during a press briefing on Thursday. She stressed that the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and often denies consular access to detained US citizens. “While bombing has ceased, it does not mean it is safe to travel to Iran,” Bruce emphasized.
The department also launched a new website, state.gov/do-not-travel-to-Iran, offering detailed guidance and updated travel advisories. Bruce emphasized that this initiative is an enhancement—not a replacement—of existing travel warnings available at travel.state.gov.
“Especially for those with Iranian heritage, we urge: do not travel to Iran,” Bruce said. “The risk is real, and the consequences can be severe.”
The heightened advisory comes in the wake of increased US-Iran tensions, following 12 days of conflict between Iran and Israel that began on June 13. The escalation included US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, further straining diplomatic relations.
The US continues to caution that American citizens traveling to Iran may be used as political pawns or hostages, and warns that no legal safeguards or consular protections can be guaranteed.
