The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel alert on Saturday for Americans abroad, citing heightened tensions in the Middle East and warning that groups supportive of Iran may target U.S. citizens and interests. This alert, termed "Worldwide Caution," follows an Iranian missile and drone strike in Jordan that killed two American service members and left another missing. The State Department noted that the security environment is complex and may escalate unexpectedly. Americans, particularly those in the Middle East, are advised to exercise increased caution and monitor security guidance from local U.S. embassies and consulates.
While the State Department did not mandate evacuations or impose new travel restrictions, officials indicated that the ongoing conflict could disrupt logistics, including commercial flight cancellations and airspace closures. The strike in Jordan also resulted in injuries to four additional service members, who have since been treated and released from local hospitals. This incident raises the total number of American military fatalities in the conflict to 16, with over 420 service members wounded.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the casualties in a statement on social media, expressing respect for their sacrifice. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned of severe consequences for the U.S. for escalating the conflict, suggesting that Iran and its allies have lessons prepared for the U.S. The alert reflects concerns that hostilities are expanding beyond Iran, potentially involving neighboring countries. Reports indicate that Iranian operations have affected Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, with Kuwaiti authorities confirming the interception of Iranian missiles and drones. The renewed violence follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, with both sides accusing each other of violations.