US State Department Advises Citizens to Exit Iran Amid Airspace Reopening

The US State Department has issued a warning for American citizens in Iran, advising them to leave the country following the partial reopening of its airspace. The advisory highlights potential land routes to neighboring countries while cautioning against travel to certain regions. Amid ongoing military and economic pressures, the Trump administration has extended a ceasefire with Iran but maintains a strict naval blockade. This situation continues to evolve, with significant implications for US-Iran relations. Stay informed about the latest developments and the impact on American citizens in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 11:19 IST

US Citizens Urged to Leave Iran

Washington: The US State Department has issued a warning for American nationals in Iran, advising them to leave the country following the partial reopening of its airspace.

In a social media update on Wednesday, the Bureau of Consular Affairs encouraged citizens to stay informed through local news and to reach out to commercial airlines for details on available flights.

The advisory also mentioned that US citizens could exit via land routes to neighboring countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. However, it cautioned against traveling to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the border region between Pakistan and Iran.

Iran had previously closed its airspace after joint military operations by the US and Israel commenced on February 28, according to reports from a news agency.

Recently, the nation reopened its eastern airspace for international flights, marking a step towards resuming airport operations.

A senior official from Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation stated that the reopening of airspace would occur in four distinct phases.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Trump administration announced an extension of its ceasefire with Iran while maintaining a comprehensive naval blockade, emphasizing that there is no set deadline for negotiations and indicating ongoing economic pressure on Tehran.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the US is employing a dual strategy, halting military strikes while ramping up financial and maritime restrictions.

"President Trump has extended the ceasefire and offered some flexibility to a regime that has faced significant challenges due to Operation Epic Fury," she informed reporters at the White House.

She clarified that the pause in military actions does not equate to a decrease in pressure. "While there is a ceasefire regarding military operations, Operation Economic Fury remains active, and the naval blockade continues to be effective," she stated.

According to the White House, the blockade is causing substantial economic harm. "We are effectively crippling their economy through this blockade, with losses estimated at $500 million daily," Leavitt noted, adding that Iran is struggling to manage oil shipments and financial transactions.

Despite the heightened economic pressure, the administration has intentionally refrained from establishing a timeline for negotiations. "The President has not imposed a strict deadline; ultimately, the timeline will be determined by the commander in chief," she remarked, dismissing claims of a limited timeframe for discussions.