American Traveler Stranded in Iran Amidst Border Closures and Rising Tensions

An American traveler, Ian Andersen, is reportedly stranded in Harijan, Iran, facing significant challenges as land borders are closed and flights canceled. Andersen, who has been documenting his journey, stated in a recent video update that he has abandoned plans to travel to Tehran due to the "dangerous situation" and the likelihood of "police blockages into the city and out of the city." Andersen expressed concern for his safety, noting that he would "surely be arrested" if caught. He described the situation as "quite dire," with all land borders closed and flights canceled. His current hope for departure rests on an unconfirmed rumor that the border with Iraq may be open. "In my opinion, it's a matter of just escape and survival," Andersen stated, emphasizing the need to evade police capture. He also thanked his followers for their support, acknowledging that social media platforms have been shut down, preventing him from responding to messages directly. Andersen has currently ridden 4,328 miles (6,980 km) of his planned 10,000-mile (16,000 km) journey to Japan.

NBC Los Angeles

He was biking across Iran and documenting it on TikTok. Then war broke out.

Ian Andersen, known as “ridewithian” to his followers online, said leaving the country was possible only with help from his guide, Reza, and the U.S.…

NBC Chicago

He was biking across Iran and documenting it on TikTok. Then war broke out.

Ian Andersen, known as “ridewithian” to his followers online, said leaving the country was possible only with help from his guide, Reza, and the U.S.…