The United States has issued a new security warning for its citizens in Iran, urging them to leave the country immediately. The advisory comes as diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise ahead of planned talks in Oman.
In an alert released early Friday, the US Virtual Embassy in Iran advised American nationals to arrange their own departures. The notice stressed that citizens should not rely on US government assistance. Officials cited growing concerns over the security situation inside the country.
The warning was issued just hours before scheduled talks between US and Iranian officials in Muscat. Expectations for progress remain low due to unresolved disputes. These disagreements include the scope, agenda, and venue of the meeting.
US officials confirmed that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will represent Washington. Iran’s delegation is expected to be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Both sides have acknowledged the planned meeting, though uncertainty remains.
If the talks proceed, they would mark the first formal engagement since tensions sharply increased last June. At that time, a brief conflict with Israel led to US airstrikes. Those strikes reportedly damaged key nuclear facilities in Iran.
Despite diplomatic efforts, serious disagreements persist. Washington has pressed Tehran to dismantle its enriched uranium stockpile. The US also wants limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program. Another demand includes ending support for armed groups across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of possible military action. He has said failure to meet US demands could result in strikes. Iranian officials have firmly rejected these conditions. They describe them as violations of national sovereignty.
Iran has warned of retaliation if attacked. Officials said any strike would prompt responses against US forces in the region. Israel could also be targeted, according to Iranian statements.
Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence in the Gulf. Trump described the deployment, led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, as a “massive armada.” The move is seen as a show of force ahead of negotiations.
The talks were originally planned for Istanbul. Turkey was expected to play a mediating role. Several regional foreign ministers were also expected to attend.
Tensions are further heightened by domestic unrest in Iran. Nationwide protests earlier this year drew a strong security response. Human rights groups claim thousands of demonstrators were killed.
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Although Trump once threatened intervention, the US chose diplomacy instead. International scrutiny continues as both sides navigate a fragile and uncertain path forward.
