Americans in Iraq and Iran have been warned to avoid hotels and public places as the U.S. government cites heightened risks of terrorist attacks amid escalating regional conflict.
Why It Matters
The warnings come as the United States and Israel remain locked in an expanding military confrontation with Iran, raising fears of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
U.S. officials say Americans abroad could be targeted because of their nationality.
What To Know
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued an updated security alert on March 6, urging U.S. citizens in Iraq to depart immediately if it is safe to do so, citing severe security risks and limited evacuation options.
The alert warned that terrorist groups and militias continue to pose a threat to Americans and U.S. interests across Iraq, including locations frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
Commercial flights out of Iraq were not operating at the time of the alert, according to the embassy, which advised Americans to consider overland routes to neighboring countries while acknowledging that border and airspace conditions could change without notice.
Americans who are unable to leave were told to shelter in place in secure locations, maintain supplies of food, water, and medication, and avoid large gatherings and public venues.
A separate security alert issued March 7 by the U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran warned that Americans in Iran face heightened risks of questioning, arrest, or detention and should be prepared to shelter in place if they cannot safely depart.
The Iran alert cautioned that displaying U.S. passports or showing connections to the United States could be sufficient grounds for detention by Iranian authorities, particularly for dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.
U.S. officials also warned that the Iranian government may restrict or prevent departures, adding that commercial flights were not operating from the country at the time of publication.
Both alerts stressed that the security environment remains volatile and subject to rapid change as military operations continue across the region.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said in its March 6 alert: “The U.S. government cares about your safety and will continue to share information you need to make informed decisions.”
The U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran said in its March 7 security alert: “There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens.”
President Donald Trump said the U.S. military was performing “phenomenally” against Iran as he demanded Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”
What Happens Next
U.S. embassies said additional security updates could be issued as conditions evolve and as military operations continue across the Middle East.
Americans in the region were urged to monitor official embassy communications, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and be prepared to adjust plans if borders or airspace close with little warning.
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