The U.S. State Department on Sunday issued updated guidance for Americans in the Middle East, urging heightened caution and directing citizens to follow security alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates across the region.
In a notice current as of March 22, the agency advised Americans to enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and to contact its 24/7 task force for assistance with travel or emergency situations.
“Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the State Department said in the advisory.
The guidance applies to multiple countries across the region, including Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Americans seeking assistance were directed to contact the State Department’s task force at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).
The update comes amid escalating tensions tied to Iran and growing concerns about potential threats to U.S. personnel and interests overseas.
The State Department noted that Americans should monitor local security conditions and remain aware of possible travel disruptions, including periodic airspace closures.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum on Saturday demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential U.S. strikes on key infrastructure.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, with disruptions to the waterway capable of affecting roughly 20% of global oil supply, according to analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
The White House has not released additional details beyond the president’s public statements.
