The US updated its security warnings for citizens in the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. Through its diplomatic missions in Jordan, Iraq, and Israel, it called on Americans to be prepared to leave in the event of a possible escalation.
The US Embassy in Amman, the Embassy in Baghdad, and the Consulate General in Erbil issued simultaneous warnings on Saturday. They advised citizens to "consider leaving or prepare to do so in the event of escalation."
The Embassy in Amman asked citizens to avoid traveling to military bases and to stay away from demonstrations, crowds, and areas with a heavy police presence. It also urged them to follow siren warnings issued by the Jordanian National Security and Crisis Management Center.
The missions in Baghdad and Erbil demanded that American citizens maintain a high level of preparedness. They warned that flights at major airports, especially those in Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, and Sulaymaniyah, should be monitored through official platforms, and that the airspace could be closed periodically or suddenly.
The US Embassy in Tel Aviv also called on American citizens to avoid traveling to the Middle East due to rising regional tensions. The embassy stressed the need to be prepared for flight cancellations and temporary airspace restrictions.
The US missions justified these warnings by citing "the unpredictability of the Iranian regime's behavior." Citizens were also asked to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to facilitate emergency communication.
Tensions in the region have been rising recently. CBS News claimed that the US and Israel are planning "one of the heaviest bombardments" on Iran's energy infrastructure this weekend. US President Donald Trump had also threatened in July to target Iran's energy facilities and bridges. In response, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for Iran's General Staff, said that if Iranian infrastructure were targeted, they would strike all infrastructure in the region.
During a 13-day period that lasted until late July, the US and Iran engaged in mutual military strikes. Washington hit targets inside Iran, while Tehran targeted American military facilities and equipment in Arab countries including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Earlier in June, Washington and Tehran had signed a memorandum of understanding and started negotiations for a final deal. However, the process stalled over disagreements on navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz.
