Iran Country Report

Iran is a conservative, constitutionally theocratic Islamic republic in the Middle East, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east and Turkey and Iraq to the west. With several neighboring countries destabilized by war and militant activity, as well as its substantial oil and natural gas reserves, Iran's location is of great geopolitical importance to the region. Iran's government has consisted of parallel democratic and theocratic institutions overseen by a powerful council of Shiite clerics since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the ultimate authority on all state matters. Islamic law is the state's basis of authority, and Islam is frequently used to support and justify government policy. The revolutionary government has historically maintained stability and enjoyed virtually unchallenged authority through successful suppression of reformist elements. Protests have occurred in the past around controversial elections, although tight restriction of the opposition has prevented the emergence of any significant challenge. Economic concerns can also lead to episodes of unrest: nationwide violent protests broke out in November 2019 in response to a fuel price hike. The government responded forcefully to the unrest, with reports of live ammunition used and large protester casualties. While the crackdown largely quelled the protests, periodic bouts of unrest should be expected in the medium-term as Iran grapples with challenging economic conditions amid US nuclear-related sanctions. Several militant groups carry out attacks on security forces near the borders with Afghanistan and Iraq. Sunni and pro-Arab extremist groups including the Islamic State (IS) are a threat, particularly in restive Sistan-Baluchistan, although attacks have also been perpetrated in the capital.

The primary threats to foreign travelers are from anti-Western unrest, state surveillance, potential detention by authorities and petty crime. Both dual-nationals and former-Iranian citizens visiting the country face a high risk of arbitrary arrest. Security can deteriorate during times of heightened political tension, which occurs regularly between Iran, Israel and the US. Tensions between Iran and the US have been high since 2019 amid a number of regional incidents, including attacks and harassment of tankers in the Gulf, Iran's shooting down of a US drone, and a high profile attack in September 2019 on Saudi oil fields that was attributed to Iran. The situation escalated even more in January 2020 when the US killed Iran’s top security and intelligence commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, in an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq. The tensions are linked to the US decision to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reinstate biting economic sanctions on Tehran. Following Suleimani's assassination, Iran staged a limited retaliation, using missiles to target military bases hosting US troops in Iraq. No casualties were reported. Pro-Iran groups may continue to target US military and diplomatic interests as part of efforts to force US troops out of region. Anti-American sentiment has been high with an elevated threat toward those construed as being US nationals or supporting US interests.

Infrastructure is well-developed by regional standards, particularly in Tehran and major urban centers, but significantly less so in rural areas.

Tensions with the international community and many of Iran's neighbors have been high since 2019 amid a number of regional incidents, including attacks and harassment of tankers in the Gulf, Iran's shooting down of a US drone, and a high-profile attack in September 2019 on Saudi oil fields that was attributed to Iran. The situation escalated even more in January 2020 when the US killed Iran's top security and intelligence commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, in an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq. The tensions are linked to the US decision to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reinstate biting economic sanctions on Tehran. Following Suleimani's assassination, Iran staged a limited retaliation, using missiles to target military bases hosting US troops in Iraq. No casualties were reported. Pro-Iran groups are expected to continue targeting US military and diplomatic interests in Iraq as part of efforts to force US troops out of the country. While neither side wants direct conflict, the potential for miscalculation and escalation remains, particularly as neither side intends to back down and actions taken become increasingly aggressive.

Sectarian dimensions of the wars in Syria, Iraq and Yemen have stoked divisions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. There is low-level concern over the threat from the Islamic State (IS), although the high-level capabilities of Iran's security forces have resulted in arrests and weapons seizures. Several militant groups engage in periodic clashes and attacks, primarily against security forces in areas near the borders with Afghanistan and Iraq.

Unrest occurs over various socio-economic and political issues and is often spearheaded by political opposition groups. Protests often become violent and are met with a heavy-handed police response. Nationwide violent protests broke out in November 2019 in response to a fuel price hike. Security forces responded with a heavy hand, with reports of snipers using live ammunition and large numbers of protester casualties. While the crackdown largely quelled the protests, periodic bouts of unrest should be expected in the medium-term as Iran grapples with challenging economic conditions amid US nuclear-related sanctions. Petty crime is the most prominent threat to travelers, with pickpockets operating in popular tourist sites and crowded markets. Rural areas near the southeastern borders are dangerous due to the activities of smugglers, bandits and kidnappers.

There is a threat of arbitrary arrest to Western nationals, mainly dual nationals, traveling in Iran. The Iranian authorities do not recognize dual nationality for Iranian citizens and therefore will not grant consular access.

Most air travel is conducted without incident, although a number of Iranian airlines are banned under the EU's Air Safety Committee.

Road conditions are hazardous, and Iran has one of the highest rates of automobile accidents in the world.

The Port of Bandar Abbas is considered relatively efficient.

Power outages occur periodically. Internet services are available but can be slow and may be monitored by authorities.

Iran has some of the most effective cyber espionage and sabotage capabilities in the world.

Iran's climate generally has hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses a significant hazard in outlying regions of the west and south-west, particularly along the Iraq border. Much of Iran is prone to frequent tremors and larger earthquakes. There have been several high-impact seismic events with mass casualties. Heavy rains can cause severe flooding in Iran, particularly in the northern provinces. Sand and dust storms can occur in areas near the Iraqi border.

Investment in healthcare has been a priority for the Iranian leadership and large cities such as Tehran have hospitals that meet international standards with well-trained medical staff. Middle-class Iranians also have access to a fairly well-funded private healthcare system. Outside of major urban centers, including in more remote areas, medical service falls below Western standards. The pharmaceutical industry is fairly well-developed. Malaria is present year-round in the rural areas of Sistan-Baluchistan and southern parts of Kerman and Hormozgan provinces. Tap water is not safe to drink.

The Iranian government is stable, although elections are often the source of controversy and unrest. Iran is subject to a complex sanctions regime, further heightened by the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in May 2018 and reimposition of previous sanctions. Corruption is a serious problem in Iran. Bribes or 'success fees' are often necessary for a contract to be awarded or a loan issued. The legal and judicial system is based on Sharia (Islamic) law, and many penalties for crimes are severe. Foreign nationals have been detained in the past - often on charges of espionage - and used to pressure foreign governments. Government security personnel might put the activities and conversations of travelers under surveillance at any time.