- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
State Department Issues Urgent Travel Alert Amid Iran Combat Operations
Americans worldwide urged to exercise caution and sign up for security updates.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The U.S. State Department has issued an urgent travel alert for Americans worldwide, especially those in the Middle East, amid ongoing U.S. combat operations against Iran. The alert advises Americans to follow guidance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, as they may experience travel disruptions due to airspace closures. U.S. government employees and their families in Israel have been told to shelter in place, and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed on Monday.
Why it matters
The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran have led to significant military operations, which are disrupting travel and raising security concerns for American citizens abroad. The State Department's alert underscores the fluid and potentially dangerous situation, highlighting the need for U.S. travelers to stay vigilant and closely monitor official government guidance.
The details
According to the State Department alert, Americans 'may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures.' Key airports in the Middle East, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama, have been struck by Iranian ballistic missiles, leading to the cancellation of over 3,400 flights across the region on Sunday. In Israel, U.S. government employees and their family members have been told to shelter in place, and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed on Monday with no consular services available.
- The State Department alert was issued on March 1, 2026.
- The U.S. combat operations against Iran began on Saturday.
The players
U.S. State Department
The federal agency responsible for conducting U.S. foreign relations and diplomacy.
Iran
A Middle Eastern country that has been engaged in military operations against the United States.
U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem
The diplomatic mission of the United States in Israel's capital city.
What they’re saying
“Americans 'may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures'”
— U.S. State Department (al.com)
“'The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel'”
— U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem (al.com)
What’s next
The State Department has advised Americans to sign up for security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as the situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous.
The takeaway
The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran have led to significant military operations that are disrupting travel and raising security concerns for American citizens abroad. This underscores the importance for U.S. travelers to stay vigilant, closely monitor official government guidance, and be prepared for potential disruptions to their plans.
