The United States has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens against traveling to the Middle East and urging those already in the region to exercise increased caution. The advisory, published by the State Department on Monday, comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, which have traded strikes for the 10th consecutive night over the Strait of Hormuz.
Explosions and Retaliatory Strikes Across the Region
Explosions have been reported across several countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, which have been targets of Iranian retaliatory attacks. The situation is further complicated by threats from Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen, who have threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb strait at the mouth of the Red Sea, a key oil-shipping route, and impose a blockade on Saudi Arabia. The Houthi group also threatens to open a new front in the conflict, which could further disrupt the global oil market.
State Department Warns of Unforeseen Escalation
The State Department described the security environment in the Gulf as complex and subject to potential unforeseen escalation. “Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” the advisory stated. It also recommended that Americans outside the region reconsider travel to and through the Middle East.
The advisory noted that US diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have been targeted. “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world,” it added.
Dispute Over Threats in Jordan
The US embassy in Jordan previously claimed that Jordanian authorities had evacuated the country’s international airport and seaport in Aqaba, northeast of the Red Sea, following a “specific and credible threat.” However, Jordanian officials disputed this claim. Mohammad al-Momani, the Minister of Communication, stated that security agencies had recorded no potential threats and insisted that the airport and port are operating normally.
