Embassies Close And Travel Alerts Issued As Protests Escalate Across Iran

Iran is witnessing its biggest protests in years after economic collapse and currency crash, with nationwide demonstrations beginning December 28 over soaring prices and evolving into calls to end the Islamic Republic.

The protests have been met with violent government crackdowns and reports of approximately 2,000 deaths, alongside severe internet shutdowns with connectivity dropping significantly since January 8, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.

Iran closed its airspace for nearly five hours on Wednesday amid concerns about possible U.S.-Iran military action, forcing airlines to cancel, reroute or delay flights. The airspace reopened shortly before 10 p.m. ET (8:30 a.m. IST) with flights from Mahan Air, Yazd Airways and AVA Airlines among the first to resume operations.

The crisis has prompted international responses. The U.S. urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately on January 13 amid the deadly anti-government protests.

India similarly urged its nationals to leave Iran and advised against travel to the country, citing the violent crackdown on protests and fears of possible U.S. intervention.

Britain temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran on Jan 14, which will now operate remotely, and updated its travel advice accordingly.

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