RismadarVoice Reporters, March 2, 2026
The United States Government has issued updated security guidance for American travellers across the Middle East following military strikes involving US and Israeli forces on targets in Iran, including the capital, Tehran.
The strikes, announced by President Donald Trump, were described by US officials as efforts to eliminate what they called imminent threats linked to Iran’s missile and military programmes. Trump said the operation marked the beginning of major combat actions aimed at degrading Iran’s missile production infrastructure and naval capabilities.
In a dramatic development, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during the strikes. Iranian state media later confirmed his death but did not directly address reports of an air assault on his residence. Authorities in Tehran subsequently declared 40 days of mourning and a seven-day public holiday.
Against the backdrop of the escalating tensions, the US Department of State released a three-tier travel advisory system covering 13 countries in the Middle East and South Asia. The updated guidance was published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs on its International Travel website.
Under Level Four – Do Not Travel, Americans are advised not to travel to Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. In Iran, where the United States has no embassy presence, citizens are urged to shelter in place. In Lebanon, Americans have been advised to depart using commercial options where available.
Under Level Three – Reconsider Travel, countries listed include Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Pakistan and Qatar. US citizens in these countries are advised to limit movements and, in some cases, shelter in place.
Under Level Two – Exercise Increased Caution, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are listed, with specific instructions for Americans in certain cities and regions to remain indoors or avoid sensitive areas.
Earlier, the State Department directed all American personnel in several Middle Eastern countries — including Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Israel — to shelter in place after the strikes triggered explosions and plumes of smoke in Tehran.
The US government has advised Americans requiring assistance to contact 24-hour emergency consular lines provided in the advisory.
Officials say the updated guidance is part of broader efforts to safeguard American citizens abroad as regional military tensions remain high following the latest round of strikes.
