The U.S. Department of State has issued urgent guidance advising American citizens in at least 14 Middle Eastern countries to depart while options remain available, citing “serious safety risks” amid the escalating regional conflict.
The advisory, shared on social media by Assistant Secretary of State Mora Namdar, urges Americans to “depart now” where commercial flights or other transportation routes are still operating.
The countries covered by the guidance are:
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
- Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza
Officials said the advisory reflects concerns about retaliatory strikes by Iran, extremist violence, airspace closures, transportation disruptions, and possible border restrictions.
The guidance was described as urgent but not an evacuation order. Americans are encouraged to rely on commercial travel while it remains available rather than wait for possible government-assisted departures.
The advisory aligns with existing Travel Advisories and heightened security alerts already in effect across much of the region.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates from U.S. embassies and consulates.
The warning comes amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, raising concerns about further escalation and retaliatory actions. Several countries in the region have imposed travel restrictions or temporarily closed airspace in recent days.
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