diff --git a/startup.lua b/startup.lua
index ff5aeb2..799940d 100644
--- a/startup.lua
+++ b/startup.lua
@@ -746,7 +746,12 @@ local function handleOutgoingDial()
         local connectionSafe = false
 
         if remoteIrisState and remoteIrisState > 0 then
-            -- Remote iris is closed (partially or fully)
+            -- Remote iris is closed (partially or fully) - UNSAFE
+            -- Close local iris to protect travelers
+            if config.irisEnabled then
+                utils.closeIris()
+            end
+
             if remoteIrisState == 100 then
                 utils.log("WARNING: Remote iris is fully closed!")
             else