U.S. Cyclist Recounts Tense Escape from Iran as Israeli Airstrikes Pummelled Area
Cycling enthusiast Ian Andersen, aged 32, from the USA, embarked on an ambitious journey to bicycle across all seven continents. Kicking off his adventure on Portugal's Atlantic coast in February, he aimed to pedal approximately 10,000 miles, reaching Japan as his final destination within ten months.
However, poor timing put a wrench in his plans as Israel and Iran geared up for war.
As Andersen pedaled his way into Iran on June 1, he felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. Sharing his thoughts from a hotel room in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, he said, "Yeah, I was nervous, buddy. I was like, 'Okay, now we're getting into some unfamiliar territory here.' But the kind and curious Iranians I met along the way put me at ease with their hospitality and generosity."
Andersen was often left surprised by the warmth and kindness of the locals, who frequently invited him for tea or offered food, even trying to pay for his meals at restaurants.
Everything changed on June 13 when Israel started bombing Iran's nuclear and military sites. Andersen noticed that people's expressions were not hostile, but he could sense the danger. "I could feel it, man. The people around me weren't happy that an 'American' was there," he recalled.
Faced with potential danger, Andersen and his local Iranian guide, Reza, hunkered down at a guesthouse about 45 miles north of Tehran for two days. Reza, who had become Andersen's friend, advised him to keep his American nationality a secret and limit social interactions. But Andersen couldn't keep his identity a secret forever, and he inadvertently revealed it to some local travelers at the hotel.
The atmosphere shifted negatively, and Andersen received an email from the U.S. State Department on June 15, suggesting options for Americans who wished to leave Iran based on their current locations. He decided his safest option was an eight-hour drive north, around the Caspian Sea, to reach Azerbaijan.
Traversing Iran during a war was harrowing, as Andersen and Reza were swept up in the steady flow of residents fleeing Tehran. They passed long lines of cars at gas stations and encountered numerous military checkpoints.
"Man, it was scary," Andersen recalled. "The idea of being stopped at one of those checkpoints was terrifying."
"Reza, my guide, told me that he couldn't protect me anymore, and that really shook me up," Andersen added. "I mean, he's my guide. He's my rock, and he said, 'All right, this is it. This is serious. If we're stopped and the police suspect you of something, there's nothing I can do.'"
Andersen felt more at ease as they neared the border with Azerbaijan, and they succeeded in reaching it without incident. But the most tense moments were yet to come, as he was interviewed twice by Iranian officials at the border.
For the second interview, he was pulled from the crowd and taken into the backroom of a makeshift army barracks. "I was like, 'Okay, I've got a fifty-fifty chance of being taken either as a bargaining chip or for further questioning,'" he said. "It was over in less than a minute, though. I walked back out into the night, and I thought they might call me back, but they didn't."
Cleared of Iran's internet firewall, Andersen messaged his family in the USA before checking into the first hotel he could find and finally getting a well-deserved 12-hour sleep.
Andersen is now safe as the Israel-Iran conflict rages on, but he ponders the potential consequences for any U.S. citizens traveling abroad. He registered his travel itinerary with the State Department's STEP program, which sends country-specific notifications and updates based on a traveler's movements. He advises all Americans traveling abroad to do the same.
Andersen hopes to raise funds for Reza and his family, who are still in Iran, and intends to continue his bike ride to Japan to fulfill his dream of cycling all the continents.
- Iran
- War
- Israel
- Tourism Safety
Ramy Inocencio, our News foreign correspondent based in London, covering Europe and the Middle East, reported this story. Inocencio joined the Network in 2019 as their Asia correspondent, based in Beijing and reporting across the Asia-Pacific, bringing two decades of experience working and traveling between Asia and the United States.
Enrichment Data:
Preparing for travel during heightened conflict between Israel and Iran can be challenging for Americans, as risks such as increased protests, political unrest, airspace closures, and heightened security concerns may arise. It's essential for U.S. citizens to take extra precautions to minimize risks and stay safe.
- Heightened Risk of Demonstrations and Anti-American Sentiment: There is a higher potential for demonstrations or anti-American sentiment during times of increased tension, particularly in countries like Iran.
- Travel Disruptions and Airspace Closures: Airspace closures and travel disruptions can occur during conflicts, posing a risk for travelers, particularly in the Middle East.
- Heightened Security Risk: The possibility of arbitrary detention, interrogation or harassment of U.S. citizens by local authorities may increase during periods of conflict.
- Limited U.S. Consular Support: The United States has no diplomatic or consular presence in Iran, making it challenging for the U.S. government to offer assistance to American citizens should they find themselves in trouble.
Precautions for American Tourists:
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Travelers should avoid high-risk areas or large public gatherings where demonstrations may occur, particularly in Iran.
- Stay Informed: It's essential to keep informed and stay up-to-date on the latest security alerts and travel advisories for Iran and neighboring countries.
- Register with Nearest Embassy: Register with the nearest U.S. embassy if traveling to a country near Iran.
- Avoid Political Discussion: U.S. citizens should避免 talk about politics or display U.S. symbols that may attract unwanted attention when traveling in Iran.
- Have a Contingency Plan: It's crucial to have a contingency plan in place, including emergency contacts and funds, and to be prepared for potential travel disruptions or evacuation.
- Monitor Travel Advisories: Routinely check the State Department's travel advisories and updates for Iran and neighboring countries before and during travel.
Preparing for Safe Travel:
To minimize risks and maximize safety during travel to Iran during periods of heightened tension between Israel and Iran, follow these precautions:
- Exercise caution and remain vigilant.
- Stay informed and up-to-date about security alerts and travel advisories for Iran and neighboring countries.
- Register with the nearest U.S. embassy.
- Research high-risk areas to avoid them, particularly in Iran.
- Keep a low profile, avoiding large crowds and engaging in political discussions.
- Have an emergency contingency plan in place, including emergency contacts and funds.
- Avoid U.S. symbols and political discussions during travel in Iran to minimize unwanted attention.
- Amidst rising tensions between Israel and Iran, it is crucial for American travelers to practice caution when visiting Iran.
- During the Israel-Iran conflict, U.S. tourists in Iran should avoid high-risk areas and political discussions to minimize unwanted attention.
- While cycling across continents, Ian Andersen faced potential danger during the Israel-Iran conflict, emphasizing the importance of travelers staying informed and taking necessary precautions.
