Ammon News - The United States is telling its citizens to leave Iran, as Washington maintains its pressure on Tehran to cease its crackdown on protesters and U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to strike the Iranian government over the issue.

"Leave Iran now," the U.S. stated in an alert published on its "virtual embassy" website for Iran. "Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government help."

For U.S. citizens unable to leave Iran, the advice is to "find a secure location," to stock up on food and other essential items and to stay aware of their surroundings.

Adding to threats of military action, Trump late ​on Monday announced that any country doing business with Iran will face a new tariff of 25 per cent on its exports to the U.S.

While the president provided little detail, the move may have more symbolic than practical effect since Iran, a major oil producer, already faces extensive U.S. and international trade sanctions.

CBS