by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Tue March 24, 2026
The U.S. Department of State updated its Worldwide
Caution over the weekend just three weeks into the Iran war.
According to the State Department’s official
website, American citizens around the world—and especially in the Middle
East—are asked to exercise increased caution and follow the guidance in the latest
security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
"Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted," the March 22 update states. "Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world."
As a result of the current worldwide caution, Americans are advised to enroll at step.state.gov to receive the latest security alerts and follow the "U.S. Department of State - Security Updates for U.S. Citizens" channel on WhatsApp or @TravelGov on X (formerly Twitter).
"When planning travel, carefully read the Travel Advisory and detailed information for your destination, and any recent alerts at travel.state.gov/destination," officials recommend.
The conflict in Iran is not just impacting U.S. travelers, however, as airlines and airports across the Middle East have been forced to periodically cancel flights and close amid the threat of attacks.
Key travel hubs in the Middle East—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and
Doha—have been temporarily shut down at times, with the carriers serving the regions like
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad canceling flights as a result.
Tens of thousands of travelers worldwide were stranded by
the closures when war first broke out at the start of the month. Travel advisors have played a key role in helping Americans escape the conflict.
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