Seven US Embassies Issue Security Alert Warnings Over Iran Strikes
Newsweek · C · trust 52/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Seven U.S. diplomatic missions across the Middle East issued security alerts warning Americans to remain vigilant as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran raised fears of a broader regional escalation.
The U.S. missions in Jordan, Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain published the warnings on Tuesday.
All seven notices used the same core warning, saying the security environment remained “complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.” They urged Americans in the Middle East to “exercise heightened vigilance” and prepare for potential “flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.” This summer has seen multiple warnings from U.S. missions across the Middle East as hostilities have disrupted flights and heightened security concerns.
The notices also warned that "Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas" or places associated with the U.S. and Americans, including businesses and other institutions.
The warnings came as fighting resumed in the U.S.-Iran conflict that has lasted more than six months. U.S. forces struck Iranian air defenses, radar systems and maritime assets Tuesday, while Iran responded with missiles and drones aimed at U.S. forces and sites across the region.
A temporary ceasefire framework reached in June has since unraveled. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran is prepared to return to the agreement and appealed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help advance peace efforts.
Bahrain’s air defenses intercepted incoming Iranian drones early Wednesday, according to the country’s military, which accused Tehran of carrying out “attacks targeting civilians.”
In Kuwait City, an Iranian drone struck a residential complex and started a fire, the Kuwaiti government said. The blaze was contained and no casualties were reported. Authorities in Iraq’s Kurdistan region also said they intercepted 10 explosive-laden drones around Irbil.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, said an American strike hit a home hosting a wedding, killing at least five people, including a child, and wounding at least 68. The U.S. military said it was aware of the reports and added that it “never targets civilians.”
The missions urged Americans to prepare for the possibility of aerial attacks. Citizens were told to “stay away from glass doors, windows, and any fallen debris” during an attack, keep their phones charged and follow instructions from local authorities.
Some embassies issued more specific guidance. The U.S. Embassy in Amman advised Americans to “avoid travel to military bases in Jordan” and familiarize themselves with the country’s emergency sirens. It also warned that Iran had attacked civilian and critical infrastructure elsewhere in the Middle East, including hotels and airports.
In Jerusalem, Americans were advised to locate their nearest shelter or protected space and identify a secure place inside their home or another building. The mission recommended keeping “food, water, medications, and other essential items” on hand and downloading an application that provides real-time warnings of rockets, missiles and armed drone incursions.
The alerts also revealed differences in embassy operations. Routine and emergency services remained available in Jerusalem and Bahrain, while the Embassy in Doha was providing routine services for Americans and limited visa services. Saudi Arabia’s mission said regular and emergency consular services remained available.
The UAE mission said it was offering consular assistance and limited nonimmigrant visa appointments, although all immigrant visa services remained suspended. In Kuwait, the embassy was providing limited emergency services for Americans, but visas, notarizations and other non-emergency services were unavailable.
Read the original at Newsweek →
Open in TruthVane →