People carry Iranian flags during a funeral ceremony for a group of security forces who were killed during anti-government protests, in Tehran on Wednesday.Vahid Salemi/The Associated Press
The federal government is advising Canadians in Iran to leave the country immediately, warning that foreign and dual nationals have been detained.
As Iranian authorities continued a crackdown on demonstrations, Ottawa advised Canadians to “leave Iran now if you can do so safely.”
About 2,000 Canadians are registered in Iran, but this could be an underestimate as registration is voluntary.
Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in protest against the theocratic regime in recent weeks, as the authorities warned that they would execute demonstrators.
At least 2,500 protesters have so far been killed in the crackdown, according to U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
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In travel advice updated online on Tuesday, Global Affairs Canada warned Canadians not to travel to Iran, where there is a “high risk of arbitrary detention and the unpredictable enforcement of local laws.”
“The Iranian authorities have arrested and/or detained individuals, including foreign and dual nationals, to exert political or diplomatic influence on their governments,“ the travel advice added.
The Iranian authorities have cut off internet access in an attempt to quell the extensive demonstrations, restricting the ability of Canadians in Iran to access the travel advice on a Global Affairs website.
Canada has no diplomatic relations with Iran and has not had an embassy in Tehran since 2012.
The advice says that “our ability to provide consular services in Iran is extremely limited.”
Canada’s consular services currently operate from neighbouring Turkey.
It warned Canadians who want to leave the country that many airlines have suspended flights to and from Iran but land borders, including to Turkey and Armenia, are still open.
President Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. will take “very strong action” against Iran if it executes protesters.
Speaking to a CBS News program that aired on Tuesday evening, Mr. Trump said of potential executions: “If they hang them, you’re going to see some things … We will take very strong action if they do such a thing.”
Global Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
With a report from The Associated Press
Are you or your loved ones affected by the situation in Iran?
As authorities continue violent crackdowns on mass anti-regime protests and the death toll rises, reporters are looking to speak with people in Canada who have loved ones currently in Iran. Are you trying to reach them during Internet blackouts or attempting to get them out of the country? Have you had experience with the regime? Tell us about your situation in the form below or send an e-mail to audience@globeandmail.com with "Iran" in the subject line. A Globe reporter may reach out to you for a story.