Iran Warden Message – October 30, 2009


WARDEN MESSAGE – 30th Anniversary of the U.S. Embassy Seizure by Iran (10/30/2009)

A growing number of reports in the Iranian press suggest that there may be demonstrations November 4 in front of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran, to mark the 30th anniversary of its illegal seizure.  Although permits are required for demonstrations, they may occur absent official permission.  The U.S. Interests Section urges all Americans to avoid the site of the former Embassy on that date, and to maintain a low profile, especially throughout this period. 

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. 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).