'Exercise increased caution': US issues worldwide security alert to its citizens as war with Iran escalates

'Groups supportive of Iran may attempt to target locations associated with the United States or Americans throughout the world,' says the alert

The United States Department of State has advised Americans worldwide, and especially those in West Asia, to exercise increased caution as the Iran-US-Israel war continues to escalate.

Warning of possible periodic airspace closures, travel disruptions, the department asked US citizens to follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate.

The advisory noted that US diplomatic facilities, including those outside West Asia, have been targeted recently, and raised concerns about broader threats to American interests overseas. It cautioned that groups supportive of Iran may attempt to target locations associated with the United States or Americans throughout the world.

"The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate. Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. US diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world," the alert said.

The authorities advised US nationals abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and guidance from US missions. The department also advised travellers to review the latest travel advisories and destination-specific information before making international travel plans.

The caution comes at a time when United States President Donald Trump has given Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping or face attacks on "their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first".

It also comes at a time when US Treasury ⁠Secretary Scott Bessent has said that the government has "plenty of money" to fund the war against Iran, hinting that the conflict may not end soon.