This question is on the minds of many, and the answer varies depending on who you ask. So, I thought I’d share some thoughts to help provide clarity.
The influence of news and social media on our perceptions is undeniable. We’re bombarded with information online, much of it driven by various agendas. As an old Persian saying goes, "No cat catches a mouse for the sake of God," meaning everyone has their reasons for what they say or do.
But what does it mean to be "safe"?
If you’re concerned about personal safety from theft, robbery, or assault by ordinary Iranians, know that these incidents are extremely rare. There are far more dangerous places around the world where people travel in droves.
If your concern is the possibility of war breaking out while you’re in Iran, consider this: Iran endured an eight-year war with Iraq, and since then, only occasional skirmishes along the borders have been reported. The likelihood of an all-out war is minimal. Tensions may rise and fall, but as long as international flights continue, you can be confident there’s no immediate danger. Should the situation escalate, there will usually be time to leave the country safely.
For those worried about arrest, it’s true that during the anti-government demonstrations last year, a few tourists were detained simply for being near or observing the protests. This is avoidable with cautious behaviour.
If you’re concerned about being accused of wrongdoing and arrested, be aware that Iran’s laws are clear, though arbitrary arrests do occur, often motivated by political reasons and influenced by your nationality and your government’s relations with Iran. However, given the vast number of tourists and dual citizens who visit Iran without incident, the likelihood of such arrests is minimal. Assess your own background and use good judgment to determine the level of risk for you.
If terrorism is your worry, remember that terrorist attacks are nowhere as frequent in Iran as they are in some other tourist-heavy countries including European ones. A quick internet search can give you a clearer perspective on this.
In the end, the rewards of visiting Iran may well outweigh your concerns. Make your decision based on facts and intuition, rather than what the media portrays. Remember, Iran is home to nearly 90 million people who live their lives just like in many other parts of the world. And many depend on tourism for their livelihoods, and they need visitors like you.
Safe travels!