Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has advised all Ukrainian nationals to leave Iran due to the deteriorating security situation, the ministry's press service said on January 8.

Iran has faced sustained economic pressure from currency depreciation and the removal of preferential exchange rates for essential commodities, contributing to public anger over living costs and purchasing power erosion. Protests are expected to peak in the next few hours following a call by exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi. 

Ukrainians were urged to exit Iran through Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, the Norduz/Agarak border crossing with Armenia or the Bazargan/Serow border crossing with Turkey.

The ministry called on Ukrainian citizens in Iran to follow instructions from local authorities, avoid confrontation with police and remain calm. Officials said the Foreign Ministry would update information promptly if the situation changes or additional evacuation routes open.

The advisory comes as protests enter their second week across Iran following subsidy reforms and currency policy changes that have pushed up prices for basic goods. Demonstrations have been reported in more than 100 cities across 31 provinces.

Human rights organisations have reported 2,217 arrests and 38 deaths since protests began, including five minors. Security forces have implemented internet restrictions and increased arrests to contain the unrest.

Ukraine joins several other countries that have issued travel advisories for Iran in recent days as the security situation remains volatile. The protests represent one of the most geographically widespread waves of demonstrations in recent years, according to monitoring groups.

In case of emergency, Ukrainians in Iran were advised to contact the Ukrainian Embassy in Tehran at or the Foreign Ministry's 24-hour hotline.

The Russian Embassy in Tehran has not yet updated its page, with the last official message being a Christmas greeting, bne IntelliNews discovered. 

Earlier, Australia also asked its citizens to leave the Islamic Republic as concern grows for the foreign nationals who may get stuck in Tehran and other cities.