Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, others urge citizens to flee Iran amid protests and US attack fears

Several European countries have urged their citizens to depart Iran, citing a deteriorating security situation as both anti and pro-government protests continue while fears of possible US attacks on Iran are also growing.

On Wednesday, Spain’s Foreign Ministry advised its nationals to depart the country, warning that conditions remain unstable nationwide.

"Spaniards who are in Iran are recommended to leave the country making use of the available means," the ministry said in an updated travel advisory.

"The situation is unstable in the whole country. Different sources report several deaths and arrests of protesters," it added.

Italy has also renewed its call for citizens to leave Iran because of security concerns.

The Italian Foreign Ministry said around 600 Italians are currently in the country, most of them in Tehran.

"There are more than 900 members of the Italian Armed Forces in the region," the ministry said, adding that precautionary measures were being adopted to protect personnel stationed in neighbouring countries.

Poland has issued a similar warning, urging its citizens to leave Iran immediately and advising against all travel to the country.

Germany has also discouraged travel, warning of a risk of arbitrary arrest and urging those already in Iran to depart.

Araghchi says government in control

US President Donald Trump has warned of military action against Iran if executes anti-government protesters and their leaders.

"We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping — it’s stopped — it’s stopping," Trump told reporters on Wednesday after days of accusations from both sides and sabre-rattling.

But he has not offered any details about how the US might respond and it wasn’t clear if his comments indicated he would hold off on action.

Iran has been rocked by waves of protests since late December, triggered by a sharp depreciation of the national currency and worsening economic conditions.

Demonstrations began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar before spreading to several cities.

Iranian authorities have blamed foreign interference and accused demonstrators of engaging in what they describe as "acts of terror."

Later on Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the government was in full control.

"After three days of terrorist operation, now there is a calm. We are in full control," Araghchi told US broadcaster Fox News' "Special Report" programme.