The Australian government told its citizens on Wednesday to leave Iran “as soon as possible” due to violent protests and an “unstable” security situation.
“If you are in Iran, you should leave as soon as possible,” an updated government travel advisory said, foreign media reported, according to the Telegraph.
“There are violent protests across the country that could escalate further without warning… the security situation is unstable,” it added.
The wave of protests began on December 28 with a shutdown of merchants in Tehran, sparked by anger over the rising cost of living.
They have since spread to other areas, particularly in the west, where Kurdish and Lor minority groups live.
Security forces have killed at least 27 protesters, including five minors under the age of 18, said the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR).
Iranian authorities say members of the security forces have also been killed, including a policeman who was shot dead on Tuesday.
Australia’s embassy in Tehran suspended operations last year during the conflict between Iran and Israel, and this week’s statement said its “ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.”
“Australians, including those with dual citizenship, are at high risk of being detained,” she added.
The demonstrations are the most serious protest movement in the Islamic Republic since nationwide rallies in 2022-2023 sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly violating the strict dress code for women. /Telegraph/