Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Japan on Sunday raised the risk alert for Iran to Level 3, warning Japanese travelers to avoid the country entirely, including the capital, Tehran.
The Foreign Ministry explained that the increased risk is due to protests that erupted in Tehran on December 28, sparked by economic frustration and now sweeping across the nation. Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest, which has triggered vandalism and clashes.
The Foreign Ministry’s Travel Safety Division warned that the situation in Iran could change rapidly, and kept the highest alert, Level 4 or “evacuate immediately,” in place for regions bordering Pakistan and Iraq.
“Currently, the Internet and international phone lines are unavailable or difficult to connect to in Iran. Furthermore, the number of international flights has been reduced. Considering this, the risk level for areas including the capital, Tehran, which was previously Level 2 (“avoid non-essential travel”), will be raised to Level 3. Please refrain from traveling to Iran,” the new warning said.
The ministry called on Japanese nationals still in Iran to stay alert, avoid protests and gatherings, and keep away from military or nuclear locations.
AloJapan.com