US embassies urge Americans to leave West Asia amid Iran tensions

US embassies across West Asia have urged Americans to consider leaving or stay ready to depart. The alert reflects fears of sudden escalation with Iran and wider travel disruption.

In Short

• Security alerts cited possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and wider disruptions
• Washington described Iran as unpredictable and warned of sudden regional escalation
• Travellers were advised to monitor airlines, airports and changing operating conditions

US embassies in several West Asian countries on Saturday asked American citizens to consider leaving the region or be “prepared to depart” amid heightened tensions with Iran and what they described as a complex security situation.

Identical security alerts issued by the US embassies in Jerusalem and other West Asian capitals warned Americans about travel to or within the region. The advisory came as US President Donald Trump said at Camp David on Friday that the US would continue striking Iran “very hard” until it “can't take it anymore”.

The US and Iran have been engaged in hostilities, with the US attacking Iran and Tehran targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz and American assets in the region. The advisory described the Iranian regime as “unpredictable” and warned of a “potential for unforeseen escalation”.

“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” the advisory said. It noted that some airlines in the region have delayed the resumption of earlier flight schedules, while others have cancelled some routes.

The advisory asked Americans in the region to “consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation.” It also urged Americans outside the region who are planning to travel there to “seriously reconsider” their plans. Those who do travel to or from the region were asked to monitor information on airport and airline operations.

The release said US diplomatic facilities, including those outside West Asia, have been targeted. It added that Iran and groups supportive of Tehran may target other US interests overseas or places associated with the US and Americans worldwide, including US businesses and other institutions.

“The situation in the Middle East remains fluid. The Iranian regime is unpredictable, as seen by its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or provocations as well as to expand attacks to areas not previously targeted (such as Egypt),” the security alert said. “Americans should remain vigilant, as merely because US interests or businesses have not been attacked in a country in the past does not ensure their safety,” it added.

The US State Department had in February authorised the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and family members of government personnel from the Israeli mission, a day before it launched a joint offensive with Israel on Iran. However, the US Embassy in Jerusalem and its branch office in Tel Aviv have kept their consular sections open for routine and emergency services. Overall, the advisory asked Americans to stay alert and be ready for travel disruption or a possible escalation in the region.

With PTI Inputs

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