The State Department issued a rare worldwide caution to American travelers Saturday afternoon after two US soldiers wre killed in Iranian attacks on Jordan.
“Due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” the alert said.
It warned that groups supporting the Islamic Republic may strike US assets and citizens anywhere in the world — and that Iran has already targeted US diplomatic facilities in the Middle East and outside the region.
“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 alert added.
It urged Americans, especially those in the Middle East, to exercise “increased caution” and to follow guidance from the nearest US embassy — and warned travelers of possible airspace closures and flight cancellations.
Iran killed two US service members defending against a wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks Friday — with a third member MIA, US Central Command announced Saturday.
It marks the first fatalities to US military personnel since President Trump ended the cease-fire with Iran last week.
The worldwide caution also comes after the State Department warned Friday that Saudi Arabia in particular is not safe for Americans after the Iranian-backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile at the country.
“Americans should reconsider any travel to Saudi Arabia and reconsider travel to/through the Middle East,” they urged.
Saudi Arabia has been under a level 3 travel advisory since March — just one step away from the severe “do not travel” warning.
A level 4 alert – the highest level of warning – for Iran, Iraq and Israel has been in place for months.
The renewed warning for Saudi Arabia comes just days after the Houthis fired a ballistic missile at the kingdom’s airport, though it was intercepted before it caused damage.
The travel warning also comes as diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to worsen.
On Saturday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran has suspended its commitments to a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) after it clailmed “the US violated its commitments.”
“We have … suspended our commitments, we are not implementing them, and we are busy defending the country.”
