US State Department Issues Urgent Warning Against Travel to Iran
The U.S. State Department has launched a new campaign warning its citizens, particularly dual Iranian-Americans, against any travel to Iran due to severe risks of kidnapping and wrongful detention. Officials stated that the Iranian regime does not recognize dual nationality and has a history of holding U.S. citizens on false charges. This heightened advisory follows recent military escalations and underscores the deep diplomatic rift, with the U.S. stressing it cannot provide adequate consular services in Iran.
Unpacked:
Iranian law considers anyone born to an Iranian father as an Iranian citizen, regardless of other citizenships. The government does not recognize dual nationality, viewing dual citizens solely as Iranians and subject to Iranian laws, which limits consular protections from other countries, including the U.S.
Recent tensions escalated following Israel's military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, Iran's retaliatory missile attacks, and the U.S. resumption of its maximum pressure campaign while simultaneously engaging in nuclear negotiations. The military actions and diplomatic standoff have heightened overall risk in the region.
The U.S. has often sought prisoner swaps and diplomatic negotiations, sometimes using third-party mediation. For example, in 2023, the U.S. agreed to release frozen Iranian funds in exchange for detained Iranian-Americans. However, direct intervention is limited due to the lack of diplomatic relations and Iran's refusal to recognize dual citizenship.
Without formal diplomatic relations, the U.S. cannot provide direct consular assistance in Iran. Detained Americans must rely on protecting powers like Switzerland, which sometimes act as intermediaries, but their ability to help is limited and subject to Iran's cooperation.