Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on June 13, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
The US State Department warns of missile threats in Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan, advising against travel amid escalating military actions.
By Ryan Patrick Jones and Doina Chiacu
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. State Department issued security alerts on Friday for several Middle Eastern countries, in some cases advising against travel and warning of possible missile attacks after Israel launched military strikes against Iran.
It warned American citizens not to travel to Iran and said those there should leave. "U.S. citizens who are unable to depart Iran should shelter in place," the advisory read.
The alerts warned of missiles, drones or rockets flying over Iraqi and Jordanian airspace. "In the event of such an incident seek overhead cover and shelter in place. Do not expose yourself to falling debris," the department said.
Israel said on Friday it had targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.
Iran promised a harsh response to the onslaught. Israel said about 100 drones had been launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation, although an Iranian source denied this.
Airlines steered clear of much of the Middle East on Friday after the Israeli attacks forced carriers to cancel or divert thousands of flights in the latest upheaval to travel in the region.
Late on Thursday, the State Department said it had directed all U.S. government employees and their family members in Israel to shelter in place until further notice.
(Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Howard Goller)
The U.S. State Department advised American citizens not to travel to Iran and urged those currently in the country to leave. It also recommended that U.S. citizens unable to depart should shelter in place.
The security alerts warned of possible missile, drone, or rocket attacks over Iraqi and Jordanian airspace, advising individuals to seek overhead cover and shelter in place.
Israel stated it had targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and military commanders, initiating what it described as a prolonged operation to prevent further threats from Tehran.
Following the Israeli attacks, airlines avoided much of the Middle East, leading to the cancellation or diversion of thousands of flights.
The U.S. State Department directed all government employees and their families in Israel to shelter in place until further notice.
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