Iran: French officials urge citizens to leave Iran due to threat of arbitrary detention as of Oct. 8 /update 1

Event

France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging French citizens and residents to leave Iran as soon as possible. The advisory has been given due to the French government's concerns over the risk of arbitrary detention. The warning comes a few months after French officials issued an advisory in July urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran. Officials have further noted that the French Embassy in Tehran will be limited in its capacity to assist those arrested in Iran.

Additional European countries will likely issue similar advisories over the coming days and weeks. On Oct. 6, the Iranian state media broadcast alleged confessions from two French teachers who were detained in the Islamic Republic on charges of inciting civil unrest during teachers' strikes in May.

Context

The threat of arbitrary detention and imprisonment of foreign nationals, especially Western visitors, will likely persist in Iran for the foreseeable future. Security forces regularly detain and arrest foreigners of Iranian origin on security and espionage grounds. Foreign travelers to Iran, particularly Western visitors, continue to face questioning, detention, and imprisonment, particularly if they have any ties to military or government agencies. Iranian security officials have always been suspicious of Western travelers and Iranians who travel between their adopted countries and Iran. In light of continued tensions with the US and its allies, as well as ongoing anti-government demonstrations, Iran is likely to intensify scrutiny of foreigners and dual citizens visiting the country.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.