US warns citizens to leave Iran amid rising West Asia tensions
Washington has told Americans to avoid all travel to Iran and urged those already there to leave immediately.
The United States has issued a new travel warning on Iran, telling American citizens not to travel there for any reason and asking those already in the country to leave at once. The warning comes as tensions rise across West Asia, with fears of further escalation.
The US virtual embassy for Iran issued a security alert saying the security environment in the region is highly volatile. It also warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
"Do not travel to Iran for any reason. US citizens in Iran should leave now," the alert said.
The US mission has asked its citizens in the region to exercise a high degree of caution and to keep track of developments at airports, with airlines and at border crossings.
It also warned that rules at Iran's land borders could change without prior notice, and advised travellers to check entry requirements for their destination country in advance.
The warning comes amid rising confrontation between the US and Iran. Washington has kept up military and naval pressure on Tehran, while Iranian officials have threatened retaliation against American interests in the region.
The US also referred to Iran-backed Houthi fighters, who have carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia, including on civilian airports. "Iran-backed Houthis have conducted hostile actions against Saudi Arabia, including against civilian airports. This military confrontation could escalate rapidly," the alert said.
The US further said its diplomatic buildings, even outside the Middle East, have been targeted before, and that Iran or groups it supports could target American interests, businesses and institutions abroad.
American citizens have been advised to register with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so they can receive security updates in an emergency and stay in easier contact with US diplomatic officials.
The alert also asked citizens to stay away from demonstrations, large crowds and areas with a heavy police presence, and to keep a low profile even at locations associated with the United States.
In the event of an air strike, Americans have been told to stay away from windows and glass doors, avoid falling debris, and keep track of official announcements.
This latest warning follows a separate security alert issued for Americans and US government employees in Saudi Arabia.
The US mission in Saudi Arabia has recently made special permission mandatory for government employees travelling to Taif and Yanbu, whether for official or personal trips. The decision was taken due to heightened security concerns following Houthi attacks.
Saudi authorities had issued an emergency warning over a "hostile air threat" after a ballistic missile was fired towards Riyadh.
The Saudi-led coalition said the missile was intercepted, and that attempts were also made to target civilian population and infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.
Qatar condemned the Houthi attacks and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, calling them a violation of Saudi sovereignty and international law.
The US State Department has appealed to all Americans travelling to and from West Asia to remain alert, as rising tensions in the region have increased the risk of sudden flight disruptions, airspace closures and attacks on US interests.
