The U.S. State Department on July 18 issued a worldwide travel caution notice for Americans over heightening tensions with the Iranian regime, citing a “potential for unforeseen escalation.”
“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially those in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution,” the warning stated. It noted recent targeting of U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, for attacks.
“Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world,” the State Department said.
Americans abroad are asked to stay abreast of guidance from their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The department also warned of potential flight cancellations and airspace closures that may disrupt travel.
“We remind Americans in the region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments,” it said.
In comments on political terrorism on July 16, Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited threats from terrorists against Americans, including President Donald Trump, and their values and way of life.
“[W]e’ve seen a growing and deeply alarming increase in attempted assassinations against public figures, most notably, of course, the multiple assassination attempts against President Trump,” he said.
Rubio also warned that Iranian proxy networks “are increasingly intimately tied to leftist militant groups around the world.”
The recent escalation in tensions comes as the Iranian regime refused to abide by the principles set out in the ceasefire agreement with the United States, and escalating its aggression on international maritime traffic attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the deaths of three civilian Indian seafarers as their vessel moved through the strait off the waters of Oman.
The United States has responded with strikes on Iranian military targets and infrastructure.
