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The US State Department told Americans across the Middle East on August 1 to consider leaving the region or be ready to depart, citing flight cancellations, airspace closures, and the risk of sudden escalation. The guidance went out in near-identical security alerts from embassies including in Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia.
The department said the regional security environment remains complex, with the potential for unforeseen escalation. Americans in the region should prepare for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Some airlines have postponed the resumption of earlier schedules, while others have cancelled routes. Travelers were told to check departure status directly with airlines and were pointed to airport flight boards in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.
Americans outside the Middle East were told to seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel should monitor airport and airline operations closely. The alerts also urged people to keep a low profile, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and stay alert at sites publicly linked to the United States. Emergency consular services remain available for US citizens at embassies and consulates in the region.
The department said US diplomatic facilities, including some outside the Middle East, have been targeted. It warned that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may strike other US interests abroad, including US businesses and institutions. It said Iran had also expanded attacks to areas not previously targeted, such as Egypt.
The alerts build on a Worldwide Caution the department reissued in July, which Circuit Wire reported at the time. The State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency US government staff and their families from its mission in Israel on February 27, and ordered departures from Saudi Arabia on March 8. Saudi Arabia remains under a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory.
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