The Australian government has urged travellers to leave Iran immediately as nationwide protests enter their 11th day and continue to turn deadly, with reports of widespread arrests amid a heavy security crackdown.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) Smartraveller website continues to warn citizens not to travel to Iran, and issued advice for those already in Iran to leave the country "as soon as possible".
"There's ongoing violent nationwide protests that may further escalate without notice. Security forces' response to protests has been severe, and many protesters and bystanders have been injured, killed or detained," the website states.
Human rights organisations say unrest in Iran has escalated sharply, with growing concerns about the safety of civilians as demonstrations spread across the country.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 38 people have been killed during the protests, including 29 civilians, four members of the security forces and five protesters under the age of 18.
The group also reports 2,217 people have been arrested or identified by security forces over the past eleven days.
Iranian authorities have not confirmed the figures. Some officials have described those taking part in the demonstrations as "rioters", as the government moves to contain the unrest.
Iran's chief justice, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, said: "Protest is different from rioting. In fact, we have a duty to provide security and ensure safety for those who have legitimate and lawful protests."
"We reassure our dear people and promise that we will confront the rioters to the very last person, we will deal with those who stand behind them to the very last individual," he said.
The recent demonstrations were said to have been largely triggered by the country's ongoing economic crisis, after many shopkeepers at a shopping centre went on strike and started protesting. Since then, protests have spread to at least 111 cities across Iran, according to HRANA, with demonstrators continuing to chant anti-regime slogans.
Iran's rial currency lost nearly half its value against the US dollar in 2025, with inflation reaching 42.5 per cent in December in a country where unrest has repeatedly flared in recent years and which is facing the United States sanctions and threats of Israeli strikes.
Price fluctuations are paralysing sales of some imported goods, with both sellers and buyers preferring to postpone transactions until the outlook becomes clearer.
In recent days, protests have intensified in several parts of the country, while local reports indicate internet access has been disconnected in multiple cities.
During previous protests in Iran, authorities have shut down or severely restricted connectivity.
Smartraveller has warned Australians in Iran to "avoid large public gatherings, demonstrations and protests and follow the advice of local authorities".
"Australians, including dual nationals, are at a high risk of being detained. The security situation is volatile."
An SBS News investigation in October 2024, uncovered that at least two Australian citizens were being held in Iranian prisons. Their current status, and whether they have since been released, remains unknown.
"If you remain in Iran despite our advice, you're responsible for your own safety," Smarttraveller states.
"The Australian embassy's operations are suspended. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited."
In August, DFAT suspended all embassy operations in Tehran and moved diplomats to a third country after the Labor government announced Iran was responsible for two alleged attacks on the Jewish community in Melbourne and Sydney, and expelled the Iranian ambassador from Australia.
— With additional reporting by Reuters
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