HQtest has issued an urgent travel safety advisory calling on all foreign nationals currently in Iran to depart the country without delay, citing credible reports of a large-scale security crackdown that has resulted in significant loss of life and ongoing danger to civilians.

According to multiple independent and regional sources, at least 12,000 people are estimated to have been killed in a nationwide crackdown that intensified during a period of widespread internet shutdowns. Reports indicate that many of the casualties occurred within a concentrated two-day period, underscoring the speed and severity of the violence.

The reporting attributes the majority of lethal force to state security elements, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated militia units. These forces have been accused of using indiscriminate gunfire in public spaces, endangering protesters and bystanders alike. Ongoing security operations and continued reports of gunfire have created an unpredictable and highly dangerous environment across multiple regions.

In response, HQtest has issued a mandatory-tone advisory recommending the immediate departure of all foreign travelers and non-essential personnel from Iran. We warn against traveling through or near demonstrations, security checkpoints, or areas where active operations have been reported, noting that movement in such areas can be both unpredictable and deadly.

HQtest urges foreign nationals to contact their embassies or consulates immediately to register their presence and request evacuation assistance, and to follow official instructions closely. Travelers are advised to secure essential documents, cash, and emergency contacts, and to be prepared to leave within hours. Those unable to reach an exit point safely are advised to avoid public gatherings and checkpoints and to remain indoors.

The advisory recommends booking the earliest available commercial flight out of Iran. If commercial routes are unavailable, neighboring countries’ border crossings should be considered only after confirming safe passage through official diplomatic channels. Due to reported disruptions, travelers are also advised to keep communications brief and encrypted where possible and to anticipate intermittent internet and phone outages.

HQtest notes that the reported scale and speed of the violence make prolonged sheltering hazardous. Communications blackouts further impede situational awareness and coordination, increasing the risks faced by foreigners who may be unable to access timely local updates.

Reiterating its directive, HQtest emphasizes that those who are able should leave Iran immediately, prioritizing personal safety over belongings and coordinating closely with embassies, airlines, and trusted contacts. HQtest advisory will be updated as new, verified information becomes available.