The U.S. State Department has urged Americans outside the Middle East to “seriously reconsider” travel to or through the region, warning that the security environment could deteriorate rapidly. Americans already in the Middle East have been told to exercise heightened vigilance and prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
The latest warning follows renewed Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks against targets in Riyadh, while Saudi authorities said a missile heading toward the capital was intercepted.
The State Department also warned that U.S. diplomatic facilities have previously been targeted and said Iran and Iran-aligned groups could target U.S. interests, businesses or locations associated with Americans overseas.
Several Middle Eastern destinations already carry elevated U.S. travel advisories. Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman are currently at Level 3, “Reconsider travel”, while Iran, Iraq and Lebanon are among those at Level 4, “Do not travel”.
