Key Takeaways:
- Iran travel warning issued as widespread icing and snow affect major provinces and roads.
- Most inter‑urban routes remain open except many routes in Kurdistan, where roads are closed.
- Authorities urge travellers to avoid non-essential journeys until Friday and warn of reduced visibility from blizzard conditions.
- Rescue teams have sheltered stranded motorists and emergency depots are operational to keep traffic moving.
Iranian road authorities have issued a nationwide travel advisory, urging people not to undertake non-essential journeys after widespread icing and heavy snowfall disrupted transportation across several provinces. The head of the Road Maintenance and Transport Emergency Operations Office warned that icy conditions will persist until Friday and that motorists should avoid travel, particularly on mountain and northern routes.
Iran travel warning: what motorists need to know
Habib Jamshidi, acting head of the office, said severe weather has affected key provinces including East and West Azerbaijan, Ilam, Tehran, Zanjan, Kurdistan, Lorestan and Markazi. Heavy rain is reported in Hormozgan. He added that a rare blizzard has caused dramatic reductions in visibility on some roads and led to the closure of almost all routes in Kurdistan province.
Despite the widespread disruption, officials report that most provincial highways remain open, with the exception of the closed corridors in Kurdistan and the rural routes around Norabad‑Nahavand and Aligudarz. Road crews and rescue teams worked through the night to assist stranded travellers; those affected were provided temporary shelter and all roadside depots remain staffed and operational.
Jamshidi said rural roads remain a particular concern. In addition to the closures in Kurdistan, a number of village access roads in East Azerbaijan, Lorestan, Hamedan and Isfahan are also blocked. Emergency services have prioritised clearing main arterial routes while attempting to restore access to isolated communities as quickly as conditions allow.
Authorities reiterated that the current moment is not suitable for travel. With public holidays approaching, officials are appealing to the public to postpone discretionary journeys, especially towards northern provinces and mountainous areas where icy surfaces and drifting snow increase the risk of accidents and prolonged delays.
For those who must travel, the office recommended: carry warm clothing and emergency supplies; inform relatives or authorities of your route and expected arrival time; avoid travelling at night when visibility is poorest; and check up‑to‑date road reports before setting out. Drivers should fit suitable tyres and carry chains where required. Police and road maintenance crews remain on standby to respond to incidents.
Jamshidi stressed the positive aspect that, despite the rare and severe icing and blizzard conditions, there have been no reported serious road casualties to date. “All our efforts are focused on keeping traffic moving and ensuring the safety of travellers,” he said, noting that rescue teams succeeded in reaching and accommodating those who had become stranded during the night.
The office will continue to monitor weather and road conditions and issue further advisories as needed up to Friday. Motorists are advised to follow official channels for the latest information and to respect road closures and instructions from emergency services.
