Americans in Middle East told to stay alert amid Iran strike talk

U.S. embassies across the Middle East issued identical security alerts telling Americans to stay vigilant and prepare for flight cancellations and airspace closures, citing threats from Iran and the Houthis. Americans in Iran were urged to leave now.

Americans living in or traveling to the Middle East should be ready for sudden flight cancellations and airspace closures, U.S. embassies across the region warned in identical security alerts dated Oct. 18.

The alerts, issued by the embassies in Kuwait, Manama, Amman and Beirut and the mission in the United Arab Emirates, cite potential threats from Iran and the Houthis in Yemen and urge U.S. citizens to “exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment.” Similar alerts were reportedly issued for Israel, Iraq and Qatar.

What the State Department advises

The embassies told Americans to monitor airport and airline operations, make contingency plans in advance, enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoid demonstrations and large crowds, and stay away from windows and glass during an aerial attack. They also advised confirming flight status directly with airlines.

In Saudi Arabia, the U.S. mission had already restricted government employees’ travel to airports after missile and drone attacks, while flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were suspended and Jeddah and Dammam operated with delays.

The State Department’s Harry S. Truman Building in Washington

“Leave Iran now”

A separate alert for Iran told U.S. citizens to leave the country now. Iran and Lebanon remain at Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” while Kuwait is at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel.” The embassy in Kuwait warned that Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and infrastructure “have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”

Strike speculation

The warnings come amid speculation about a new U.S. strike on Iran. CNN, citing unnamed officials, reported that the military has prepared additional strike options, including the GBU-43/B bomb. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States and its allies would “finish the job” if Iran does not change course.

Americans in Middle East told to stay alert amid Iran strike talk