The US embassy in Amman, the capital of Jordan, issued a new security alert on Sunday, 18 October 2026, telling American citizens in the Middle East that the Islamic Republic and groups allied with it may target US interests abroad, including American-linked businesses and institutions. The US embassy in Abu Dhabi also issued a warning to the same effect.
The alerts say that clashes with the Islamic Republic's proxy groups could quickly spread beyond their current scope. The embassies urged American citizens to be more vigilant because of a "complex security environment" and to be prepared for flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption. The US embassy in the UAE specifically pointed to attacks by the Houthis, the Islamic Republic's allies in Yemen, on civilian airports and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, which, according to the embassy, have harmed civilians and disrupted travel.
Warning from the US virtual embassy on travel to Iran
The US virtual embassy in Iran again urged American citizens not to travel to Iran for any reason and those inside Iran to leave the country immediately. The text of the alerts speaks of the possibility of US interests being targeted and does not point to any specific imminent attack.
The US embassy in Amman said its consular and visa services continue as normal. In Saudi Arabia, operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport have been halted after Houthi missile and drone attacks, and the airports in Jeddah and Dammam are operating with delays and cancellations. Etihad Airways has also extended its cancellation of flights from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh and Dammam until Saturday, 24 October.
Background to the warnings: fresh threats and the Strait of Hormuz deadlock
The new warnings were issued a day after Donald Trump said that if the Islamic Republic does not change course, America will finish the job soon, and Abbas Araghchi, the Islamic Republic's foreign minister, responded by speaking of Tehran's "unfinished business". At the same time, the IRGC has claimed that a tanker hit a mine south of the Strait of Hormuz, a claim no independent source has confirmed.
The Islamic Republic's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on condition that the naval blockade of Iran's ports is lifted, oil sanctions are cancelled and fighting ends on all fronts in the region remains unanswered, and no agreement has been reached.
The US embassies warned that the Islamic Republic and allied groups may target American interests anywhere in the world.
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