State Department Tells Americans Worldwide to ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ As U.S. War on Iran Intensifies

The U.S. State Department is warning Americans around the world to “exercise increased caution” as the war the United States and Israel launched against Iran continues to unsettle travel and security conditions far beyond the Middle East.

In its current worldwide caution, updated March 22, the department said Americans abroad, especially in the Middle East, should follow the latest security alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, noting that periodic airspace closures may disrupt travel and that U.S. diplomatic facilities, including some outside the Middle East, have been targeted. The advisory also warns that groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or places associated with Americans.

The warning is tied directly to the conflict that erupted on Feb. 28. The State Department’s earlier worldwide caution said it was being issued “following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran.” Israel launched what it called a pre-emptive attack on Iran that same day, and that U.S. strikes on Iranian targets were also underway.

In practical terms, the department is not ordering a general evacuation of Americans abroad, but it is telling them to treat the situation as a live and potentially fast-moving security event. The advisory urges Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, follow the State Department’s security updates, and review country-specific advisories and embassy alerts before traveling.