Secretary of State issues travel update to US citizens
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sent a warning out to Americans who may be impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.
Last week, Donald Trump confirmed that the US and Israel had commenced 'major combat opeations' on Iran, carrying out a number of missile strikes.
Iran have since retaliated, aiming first for military bases in nearby Gulf nations in the days since.
It has forced surrounding nations such as the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, to close their airspaces and silence the busiest travel hubs in the world.
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Trump announced that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, which have continued and left hundreds of thousands of travellers stranded in the Middle East.
While Brits have been warned about 'do not travel' countries, Rubio has issued a message to Americans.
Rubio said in a press conference that the US has been 'implementing our plans to help Americans in the Middle East be able to depart', noting that they are looking to help 1,500 Americans requesting assistance with departure.
"Here’s the message I want to deliver Americans who are in the Middle East and in need of assistance: It is very important – and I ask this of the networks as well – it is important for you to, please, put both the website and the phone numbers on your screens, because we need to know where you are," he urged.
Rubio added: "We need to know – we need to have contact information for Americans that need assistance.
"They have to register with us, because as these options begin to open up, and as they open up, we have to be able to call you; we have to be able to reach you; we have to be able to know where you’re staying so we can get this information to you and coordinate appropriately."
The Secretary of State even made a video message highlighting the safety of American citizens, adding that the Department has a 24/7 task force which is 'providing American citizens with up-to-the-minute safety and security information'.
He instructed Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at CACMS, so they can 'receive the latest messages and updates from your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate'.
Rubio further advised US citizens to follow the 'Security Updates for U.S. Citizens' channel on WhatsApp and follow @TravelGov on social media, while Americans in the Middle East can contact the Department of State 24/7 at 1-202-501-4444.
New travel advisories have been issued to US citizens, warning against travel to certain countries - you can find them listed below.
Qatar
The US placed a Level 3 warning on the Middle Eastern country, which is the second most serious travel advisory.
it means that people shoudl 'reconsider travel' to Qatar, 'due to the threat of armed conflict'.
The warning read: "Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights."
Once again, it urged Americans in the country to sign up to emergency alerts while keeping an eye on local media to help with planning.
Kuwait
Kuwait has also been handed a Level 3 warning, as the State Department explained that they 'ordered [the] departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel'.
They said that there 'were no changes to the risk indicators', as a previous warning detailed that people should 'exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime', with this area being adjacent to their main airport.
It was further highlighted: "Do not travel to the desert area near the border with Iraq because of bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War."
Taking to X, US citizens were told to stay indoors and 'shelter in place'.
Bahrain
Another gulf nation with a Level 3 travel advisory 'due to terrorism and armed conflict' due to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, American citizens in the country has been warned again.
The warning read: "Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain, terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Targets may include tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and religious sites as well as government and military facilities."
Speaking on Sunday, Trump said: "Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives."
Topics: US News, Iran, World News
Joshua Nair