Spain Advises Citizens to Leave Iran amid Deadly Protests and Government Crackdown
Spain recommends its citizens evacuate Iran due to deadly protests and severe government repression amid nationwide unrest.
- • Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges citizens to leave Iran amid unrest.
- • Thousands have died in protests against the Iranian regime, with harsh crackdowns reported.
- • Most airlines have halted flights to Iran; exit requires authorization for foreign workers.
- • Similar evacuation advisories issued by Italy, Poland, and Australia.
- • Spain condemned the repression and summoned the Iranian ambassador.
Key details
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an urgent recommendation for Spanish nationals currently in Iran to leave the country amid escalating unrest and severe governmental repression. The advisory, updated on January 14, 2026, follows weeks of mass protests in Iran which originated from rising living costs but have evolved into a widespread movement against the theocratic regime.
According to reports from the NGO Iran Human Rights and HRANA, the crackdown on demonstrators has resulted in thousands of deaths, with figures ranging from around 2,600 to over 3,400 fatalities. The actual death toll is believed to be higher due to a severe internet blackout lasting more than five days that hindered information flow. In addition to the deaths, many protesters have been detained during ongoing protests nationwide.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry highlighted that the instability affects all regions of Iran and urged citizens to leave using available means since most airlines have suspended operations in the country. There are fewer than 150 Spaniards registered in the Spanish Embassy in Tehran. Moreover, foreigners with work permits must obtain exit authorization from Iranian authorities, a process that depends on employers; the embassy clarified it lacks power to authorize departures.
Other European countries, including Italy and Poland, have also advised their citizens to exit Iran immediately due to similar security concerns. Australia similarly urged its nationals to leave. The Spanish government condemned the repression by summoning the Iranian ambassador in Madrid.
The ministry cautions that telecommunications have been severely disrupted, affecting internet and international calls since early January, and recommends staying updated through social media and embassy communications when services are restored.
The situation remains highly volatile with no clear resolution, making the Spanish government’s advisory critical for the safety of its citizens in Iran.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
