The United States has issued a fresh security alert urging its citizens not to travel to Iran for any reason and advising Americans already in the country to leave immediately as tensions rise across West Asia.
The US Virtual Embassy in Iran said the regional security situation remained complex and could deteriorate rapidly. It warned travellers about possible flight cancellations, sudden airspace closures, changes at land borders and other major transportation disruptions.
“Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens should leave Iran now,” the alert said. American citizens in Iran and neighbouring countries were advised to monitor developments involving airports, airlines and border crossings. The mission said procedures at Iranian land borders could change with little warning and asked travellers to verify the entry requirements of any country they planned to enter.
The security alert comes amid increasing confrontation between Washington and Tehran. The United States has maintained military and maritime pressure on Iran, while Iranian officials have warned that they could retaliate against American interests in the region.
Washington also referred to attacks carried out by Iranian-supported Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia, including threats to civilian airports and infrastructure. The US said the conflict had the potential to escalate quickly and create new dangers for travellers throughout West Asia.
Saudi authorities recently issued an emergency warning after detecting what they described as a hostile aerial threat involving a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh. Saudi-led coalition forces said the missile was intercepted. They also reported attempted attacks targeting civilian areas and infrastructure in Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia subsequently instructed American government employees to obtain special authorisation for official and personal travel to Taif and Yanbu. Qatar condemned the Houthi attacks and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, describing the strikes as violations of the kingdom’s sovereignty and international law.
The US warned that American diplomatic facilities, businesses and institutions have previously been targeted. It said Iran or groups supportive of Tehran could again target locations associated with the United States, including facilities outside the Middle East.
Citizens were advised to avoid demonstrations, large gatherings and places with a heavy police presence. They were also asked to maintain a low profile at locations publicly linked to the United States. In the event of an aerial attack, Americans should stay away from windows and glass doors, avoid fallen debris and closely follow official security communications.
The State Department encouraged US citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP. The programme provides security updates and helps diplomatic authorities contact registered travellers during emergencies. Americans travelling to or through West Asia were also urged to remain vigilant and prepare for sudden changes to flights, border operations and airspace access as regional tensions continue.
