Khaberni - The Australian government has informed its citizens that they must leave Iran "as soon as possible" due to ongoing protests in the country.
The government said in a travel advisory update on Wednesday, "If you are in Iran, you should leave as soon as possible," adding "the country is witnessing ongoing violent protests on a national level that could escalate without warning... The security situation is volatile."
The protests began on December 28 with a strike conducted by traders in Tehran's bazaar. Since then, they have spread to other areas, especially in the west of the country where there are significant residential gatherings of the Kurdish and Lur minorities.
Since the beginning of the protests, at least 27 demonstrators have been killed "by gunfire or by other forms of violence committed by the security forces in eight provinces," according to the organization "Iran Human Rights", which is based in Norway.
The organization reported that more than a thousand people have been arrested, while Iranian media, quoting official sources, mention 15 fatalities, including members of the security forces.
The Australian Embassy in Iran had suspended its operations last year during the war between Iran and Israel, and stated in an announcement this week that "its ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is very limited."
It added that "Australians, including those with dual nationalities, face a significant risk of arrest."
These demonstrations are considered the most serious protest movement the Islamic Republic has seen since the 2022-2023 protests that swept the country following the death of the young woman Mahsa Amini while in custody after being arrested for violating the dress code imposed on women.
