Donald Trump warns things 'may turn violent' in Iran as he urges US citizens to leave

Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Tehran with US military action, and now the the website for the US Virtual Embassy for Iran has urged Americans to leave the country

American citizens have been urged to leave Iran amid a warning that things "may turn violent."

Protests across Iran are escalating and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries, says the website for the US Virtual Embassy for Iran. It reads: "Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing.

"The Government of Iran has restricted access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16." The website goes on to say that US citizens should "leave Iran now" and "have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government help."

It continues: "If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items. Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.

"Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Keep your phone charged and maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates on security in Iran."

It comes after President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its crackdown on protesters in nationwide demonstrations that activists said Monday had left at least 599 people dead. Iran had no direct reaction to Trump's comments, which came after the foreign minister of Oman - long an interlocutor between Washington and Tehran - travelled to Iran this weekend.

It also remains unclear just what Iran could promise, particularly as Trump has set strict demands over its nuclear programme and its ballistic missile arsenal, which Tehran insists is crucial for its national defence. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, insisted "the situation has come under total control" in remarks that blamed Israel and the US for the violence, without offering evidence.

"That's why the demonstrations turned violent and bloody to give an excuse to the American president to intervene," Araghchi said, in comments shared by Al Jazeera. The Qatar-funded network has been allowed to report live from inside Iran, despite the internet being shut off.

However, Araghchi said Iran was "open to diplomacy". Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that a channel to the US remained open, but talks needed to be "based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation."

Meanwhile, pro-government demonstrators flooded the streets Monday in support of the theocracy, a show of force after days of protests directly challenging the rule of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television aired chants from the crowd, which appeared to number in the tens of thousands, who shouted "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!"

Others cried out: "Death to the enemies of God!" Iran's attorney general has warned that anyone taking part in protests will be considered an "enemy of God", a death-penalty charge.