Iran Warden Message – June 15, 2009


Large-scale demonstrations have taken place in Tehran following the June 12 Presidential election. Media report that government authorities are arbitrarily arresting, detaining, and harassing demonstrators and bystanders, particularly youth. Cell phone usage and access to the Internet has been intermittently blocked. Presidential candidate Mousavi called for peaceful protests across Iran on June 15 and a national strike on June 16. Media report that some international journalists have been arrested and ordered to leave Iran. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. U.S. passport holders that are arrested or detained by Iranian authorities should request assistance from the Embassy of Switzerland, which serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to American citizens in Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the United States are issued in Tehran. The Iranian Government does not recognize dual citizenship and generally does not permit the Swiss to provide protective services for U.S. citizens who are also Iranian nationals. U.S. citizens of Iranian origin are considered Iranian citizens by the Iranian government and may be arbitrarily detained and harassed by authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religious faiths, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and prosecution.

There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Iran. The Embassy of Switzerland serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. The U.S. Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy is currently located at No. 39, Shahid Mousavi (Golestan 5th), Pasdaran Avenue, Tehran. The telephone numbers for the U.S. Interests Section are (98)(21) 2254-2178 and (98)(21) 2256-5273, fax (98)(21) 225-2258-0432, email: tie.vertretung@eda.admin.ch, website: http://www.eda.admin.ch/tehran The workweek is Sunday through Thursday. Public service hours are 8:00 am – 12:00 noon.

Americans living or traveling in Iran are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or through the State Department’s travel registration web site in order to obtain updated information on travel and security within Iran. Americans in Iran may also register at the U.S. Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy located No. 39, Shahid Mousavi (Golestan 5th), Pasdaran Avenue, Tehran. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before flying to Iran. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the U.S. Interests Section to contact them in case of emergency.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site, where the current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Iran, and Travel Alerts, as well as Worldwide Caution, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security, including safety and security in Iran, can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).