The U.S. State
Department is warning Americans to be especially careful while traveling
overseas as rising tensions across the Middle
East create the possibility of further violence and widespread travel
disruptions.
The agency issued
a rare worldwide
caution Saturday afternoon following Iranian attacks on Jordan that killed
two U.S. service members. A third service member was reported missing in action
after the wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks, according to U.S.
Central Command.
“Due to high
tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the
potential for unforeseen escalation,” the State Department said.
While the alert
places particular focus on the Middle East itself, the message applies to
Americans around the globe. Officials warned that groups aligned with Iran
could target U.S. citizens, diplomatic facilities and other American interests
in destinations both within and outside the region.
“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 alert added.
Americans
traveling abroad are being advised to exercise “increased caution” and pay
close attention to security alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Travelers should also be prepared for possible airspace closures, canceled
flights and other last-minute disruptions stemming from the conflict.
The worldwide
caution follows a separate State Department warning focused on Saudi
Arabia, where Iranian-backed Houthis recently launched a ballistic missile
at an airport. The New
York Post reported that the missile was intercepted before it could cause
damage.
“Americans should
reconsider any travel to Saudi Arabia and reconsider travel to/through the
Middle East,” the agency advises.
Saudi Arabia has
carried a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory since March. That is one step
below Level 4: Do Not Travel, the State Department’s most serious warning.
Iran, Iraq and Israel
have been under Level 4 advisories for months.
The latest alerts come
as relations between the United States and Iran continue to deteriorate. Iran’s
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Saturday that Tehran had stopped
honoring its commitments under a recent memorandum of understanding after
accusing the United States of failing to meet its own obligations.
“We have …
suspended our commitments, we are not implementing them, and we are busy
defending the country,” Gharibabadi said.
Before traveling
internationally, Americans should review the State Department advisory for
their specific destination and enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
to receive security updates and make it easier for U.S. officials to reach them
during an emergency.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
