Israeli airstrikes force American cyclist to flee Iran

In June 2025, Ian Andersen, a 32-year-old cyclist from Minnetonka, Minnesota, was in Iran as part of his ambition to bike across all seven continents. While he was touring the country, Israeli forces launched significant airstrikes targeting Iran's military and nuclear sites, creating a dangerous situation in close proximity to Andersen's route. The attacks prompted him to seek immediate refuge in neighboring Azerbaijan, where he was granted a visa by the U.S. Embassy. As he sheltered from the attacks, Andersen recounted the experience as terrifying, emphasizing that despite the risks he's faced in his travels, he does not regret pursuing his cycling dream. The ongoing conflict in the region has deeply worried Andersen's friends and family back in the U.S., highlighting broader concerns among Minnesotans with loved ones in Iran amidst the escalating tensions between the two nations. Many in Minnesota have also expressed fear and a sense of helplessness regarding family members in Iran, illustrating the personal impacts of international conflicts. Although Andersen plans to continue his journey towards Central Asia, his experiences serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and dangers that adventurers can encounter, especially in politically volatile regions.