- US issues new travel warnings after military strikes on Iran.
- Iran, Iraq, Lebanon placed on the highest “Do Not Travel” alert.
- Americans urged to shelter in place or leave immediately where possible.
- Tensions rise following US-Israel military action and leadership fallout in Iran.
The United States Department of State has released updated security guidance for Americans travelling or residing across the Middle East following coordinated military strikes involving US and Israeli forces on Iranian targets, including areas near Tehran.
According to the advisory issued by the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, 13 Middle Eastern and South Asian countries have now been placed under a three-tier travel alert system, reflecting growing security risks linked to the conflict.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The escalation follows an announcement by Donald Trump, who described the strikes as necessary to “eliminate imminent threats” connected to Iran’s missile development and military infrastructure. He said the operation marked the beginning of large-scale combat actions aimed at crippling Iran’s naval and weapons capabilities.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been building for months, but the latest strikes represent one of the most serious confrontations in years.
In a dramatic turn, Trump claimed that Iran’s supreme leader had been killed during the attacks. Iranian state media later confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei, though it did not provide details regarding an assault on his residence. The Iranian government subsequently declared 40 days of national mourning and announced a seven-day public holiday.
Updated US Travel Advisory Levels
Level 4 – Do Not Travel
- Iran – No US Embassy; Americans advised to shelter in place
- Iraq – Extreme caution; restrict movement
- Lebanon – Americans urged to depart immediately
Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
- Bahrain – Shelter in place
- Israel – Shelter in place
- Kuwait – Shelter in place
- Pakistan – Avoid large gatherings; some regions at Level 4
- Qatar – Shelter in place
Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
- Egypt – Heightened alert advised
- Jordan – Avoid US Embassy area
- Oman – Caution in Duqm and near Salalah
- Saudi Arabia – Shelter in place in Dhahran
- United Arab Emirates – Shelter in place
Official Advisory
“Americans needing consular assistance should contact U.S. authorities through the 24-hour emergency lines listed in the travel advisory,” the State Department said.
Earlier, the State Department also instructed all US government personnel in several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel to remain indoors until further notice following the strikes that triggered explosions and smoke across Tehran.
Officials say the advisory is part of a broader effort to protect American lives abroad as military tensions across the region remain dangerously high.