The U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide security alert Sunday, urging Americans abroad to exercise increased caution amid rising tensions linked to Iran.
“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution,” the agency said in a statement. “Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.”
The department warned that periodic airspace closures could disrupt travel and noted that U.S. diplomatic facilities — both within and outside the Middle East — have been targeted.
“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 statement added.
The alert follows a threat issued Friday by Iranian military spokesman Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, who warned that Tehran-linked groups could target popular tourist destinations as tensions escalate.
Regional tensions have intensified since Feb. 28, when U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
On Monday, President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in planned military strikes, signaling a possible shift toward de-escalation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had ordered a five-day halt to attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure following what he described as “very good and productive conversations” between U.S. and Iranian officials.
“Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations … I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period,” Trump wrote, adding that discussions would continue throughout the week.
The move marked a notable shift from Trump’s earlier rhetoric. In a Sunday interview with Israel’s Channel 13, he warned Iran would face overwhelming military force if it failed to comply with U.S. demands.
“You’re going to find out soon. It’s going to be very good — total decimation of Iran,” Trump said.
He also criticized Iran’s leadership, calling the country “very bad for 47 years” since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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