State Dept. issues Iran travel warning

UPI: U.S. travelers now more than ever should avoid Iran in the wake of violent election protests that have gripped the country, the U.S. State Department says.

United Press International

WASHINGTON, June 24 (UPI) — U.S. travelers now more than ever should avoid Iran in the wake of violent election protests that have gripped the country, the U.S. State Department says.

U.S. officials warn American travelers that both international and internal communications have been interfered with by the Iranian government, including text messaging, cell phones and the Internet, ABC News reported Wednesday.

The State Department also says that Westerners in Iran have at times become kidnapping targets in southeast Iran. It warns that even those with dual U.S.-Iranian citizenship are not immune to detentions and harassment, saying that Muslims who have converted to other religions are subject to arrest, the broadcaster reported.

ABC said 10 other countries that have recently come under State Department travel warnings include Uzbekistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Mali, Chad, Nepal, Lebanon, Yemen, Georgia and Sudan.