The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Warns of Security Risks for Ukrainians in Iran

For security reasons, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine advises Ukrainian citizens to refrain from visiting Iran.

Tehran is under pressure from growing public discontent caused by a sharp deterioration in the economic situation and large-scale power outages. In the south-west of the country, protesters have blocked the road between Pol-e Dokhtar and Khorramabad in response to prolonged power outages that have paralyzed businesses and daily life.

Amid the protests, the authorities have intensified repression against independent media. London-based broadcaster Iran International has reported that 45 of its journalists and more than 300 of their relatives have received death threats from Iranian security services. Similar pressure was already applied in 2022, when journalist Niloufar Hamedi was arrested for covering the death of Mahsa Amini – an incident that sparked mass protests under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”.

Regarding the economic situation in Iran. Rising prices for basic food have only exacerbated tensions: the cost of traditional taftoon bread has increased by 52 %, and of lavash – by 39 %. For many Iranians, this has signaled a deepening economic crisis unfolding against a background of prolonged sanctions and internal imbalances.

The country’s economic indicators continue to deteriorate. Bread, like other basic food, has become unaffordable for many. The problems date back to 2018, when the government cut food subsidies by $5.3 billion, which resulted in a 30-50 % drop in consumption of meat, dairy products, and bread over the decade.