Amid Iran’s Escalating Crisis, U.S. Freezes Immigrant Visas for 75 Nations, Including Armenia

The political landscape in the Middle East remains fraught with tension as Iran grapples with widespread anti-government protests, which have tragically claimed the lives of nearly 2,600 people, according to a rights group. This internal turmoil has drawn the attention and stern warnings of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has hinted at potential military intervention if Iran proceeds with the execution of protesters. Simultaneously, the U.S. State Department has announced a significant policy shift, freezing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, a list that includes both Iran and Armenia, effective January 21, 2026.

This dual approach by the U.S. — a hawkish stance on Iran’s internal affairs coupled with a broad tightening of immigration policies — underscores a complex and evolving geopolitical strategy. The protests, which ignited on December 28 in response to soaring inflation, have since escalated into one of the most formidable challenges to Iran’s clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Amidst this unrest, Iran’s judicial chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has underscored the necessity of ‘quick justice’ for those accused of violence, stating that swift judgment and penalization are ‘critical to ensuring such events do not happen again.’

Iran’s Internal Strife and International Warnings

The scale of the crackdown in Iran is stark. Beyond the reported death toll, U.S.-based HRANA rights group has verified the deaths of 2,403 protesters and 147 government-affiliated individuals, while thousands have been detained. The flow of information from within Iran has been severely hampered by an internet blackout, making independent verification challenging. Despite this, reports from groups like Hengaw, an Iranian Kurdish rights organization, suggest that individuals, such as 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, arrested in connection with protests in Karaj, faced imminent execution.

The international community is watching closely. Israel and the U.S. military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. base in the Middle East, have been placed on alert. Israeli officials indicate an assessment that President Trump has decided to intervene, though the scope and timing remain unclear. Trump himself, in an interview with CBS News, vowed ‘very strong action’ if Iran ‘started hanging protesters,’ adding ominously, ‘If they hang them, you’re going to see some things.’ He also encouraged Iranians to ‘keep protesting and take over institutions,’ declaring that ‘help is on the way’ without elaborating on specifics.

These threats are not taken lightly. Iran has consistently vowed to retaliate in the event of military action. Iranian officials, while projecting calm, have accused the U.S. and Israel of inciting violence and seeking to destabilize the government. Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani stated that Trump’s social media posts constituted an incitement to violence and a threat to Iran’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Russia has condemned ‘subversive external interference’ in Iran’s internal politics, warning that any repeat of last year’s U.S. strikes would have ‘disastrous consequences’ for regional and international security.

U.S. Travel Advisories and Regional Pathways

In light of the escalating situation, both the U.S. State Department and Global Affairs Canada have strengthened travel advisories, urging their citizens to leave Iran immediately if they can do so safely. Crucially, these advisories specifically mention overland routes through Turkey or Armenia as viable exit options. This highlights Armenia’s role as a critical transit country in the region, offering a pathway for those seeking to depart Iran amidst the unrest.

Despite Iran’s diplomatic efforts, which include contacts between its security and foreign ministers with counterparts in Qatar, the UAE, and Turkey, the internal crisis persists. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reportedly told UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed that ‘calm has prevailed’ and that Iranians were determined to defend their sovereignty from foreign interference. However, the ongoing internet blackout makes it difficult to ascertain the true extent of the situation on the ground.

Sweeping U.S. Immigration Freeze: Impact on 75 Nations, Including Armenia

Adding another layer of complexity to the U.S.’s foreign policy is the State Department’s decision to freeze immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Iran and Armenia. This suspension, set to commence on January 21, 2026, stems from a broader order issued in November 2025 by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become ‘public charges’ in the U.S. The stated goal is to reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who might rely on welfare and public benefits.

The new directive significantly expands the criteria consular officials must consider when evaluating visa applicants. Beyond existing medical exams for communicable diseases and disclosures of drug/alcohol use, mental health, or violence, the guidelines now mandate an assessment of an applicant’s age, health, family status, finances, education, skills, and any past use of public assistance, regardless of the country. Furthermore, officials are instructed to assess English proficiency, even allowing for interviews to be conducted in English. Experts note this move could further restrict who gains entry to the U.S., aligning with the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to tighten immigration rules.

It is important to clarify that this suspension applies only to immigrant visas, which are for permanent residency, and does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist or business visas. The demand for non-immigrant visas is, in fact, expected to rise dramatically in the coming months and years, particularly due to the upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, both of which the U.S. will host or co-host. However, for citizens of the 75 affected countries, including those seeking a new life in the U.S. from Iran or Armenia, the path to permanent residency has become considerably more challenging.

The confluence of these events paints a picture of a U.S. administration asserting its power on multiple fronts: threatening intervention in a volatile Middle Eastern nation while simultaneously implementing stringent immigration policies that impact a wide array of countries, including those that serve as vital regional conduits. This strategic duality suggests a calculated effort to project strength and control, both globally and domestically, potentially reshaping regional dynamics and individual migration pathways for years to come.