By Merve Aydogan
HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada urged its nationals Tuesday to leave Iran as nationwide unrest continues to escalate.
"You should leave Iran now if you can do so safely," according ot aa travel advisory alert, noting that "consular services in Iran is extremely limited" to assist Canadians.
Saying that "overland crossing options" are available amid airlines suspending their operations to and from Iran, the advisory said that “land borders with Armenia and Türkiye are open, and Canadian passport holders don’t require a visa to enter these countries."
Iran has been rocked by widespread protests in recent weeks amid a deteriorating economy and the rapid depreciation of the Iranian currency, the rial.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency, a US-based group, estimates a death toll of at least 646, including both security forces and protesters, with over 1,000 injured.