State Department Issues Worldwide Travel Alert for Americans as War With Iran Heightens
U.S. diplomatic facilities inside and outside the Middle East have been targeted, the department warned.
The U.S. State Department on July 18 issued a worldwide travel caution notice for Americans over heightening tensions with the Iranian regime, citing a “potential for unforeseen escalation.”
“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially those in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution,” the warning stated. It noted recent targeting of U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, for attacks.
“Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world,” the State Department said.
Americans abroad are asked to stay abreast of guidance from their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The department also warned of potential flight cancellations and airspace closures that may disrupt travel.
“We remind Americans in the region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments,” it said.
Travelers can sign up for the latest security alerts for their region on travel at step.state.gov . The State Department is also posting updates on WhatsApp and on its X account @TravelGov. Updates to country-specific travel advisories and detailed information can be seen at travel.state.gov/destination.
In comments on political terrorism on July 16, Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited threats from terrorists against Americans, including President Donald Trump, and their values and way of life.
“[W]e’ve seen a growing and deeply alarming increase in attempted assassinations against public figures, most notably, of course, the multiple assassination attempts against President Trump,” he said.
Rubio also warned that Iranian proxy networks “are increasingly intimately tied to leftist militant groups around the world.”
Facing years-long threats from the Iranian regime of his assassination, and threats made against his family members, Trump warned Tehran on July 10 following the collapse of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire agreement that he has “left instructions” for Iran to be bombed if he is ever assassinated.
The U.S. president remains the top target on the regime’s kill list and propaganda efforts. Most recently, on July 11, there were calls for his death at the funeral of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei where attendees carried banners reading, “We Will Kill Trump.”
A previous worldwide travel warning from the State Department was issued on Feb. 28 at the start of the conflict with the Iranian regime. Since then, advice expanded to asking Americans to depart from or avoid more than a dozen Middle Eastern and North African countries.
The recent escalation in tensions comes as the Iranian regime refused to abide by the principles set out in the ceasefire agreement with the United States, and escalating its aggression on international maritime traffic attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the deaths of three civilian Indian seafarers as their vessel moved through the strait off the waters of Oman.
Iran also attacked U.S. military assets hosted by Gulf nations. Two U.S. troops were killed and several others were injured by an Iranian strike on Jordan on July 17.
The United States has responded with strikes on Iranian military targets and infrastructure.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/state-department-issues-worldwide-travel-alert-for-americans-as-war-with-iran-heightens-6064182