The UK's Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for 16 countries, including some popular tourist destinations for British citizens, due to recent global developments.
Major protests and demonstrations against the repressive regime in Iran have been met with overwhelming violence.
US President Donald Trump had promised that 'help is on the way', but that is yet to materialise, and The Guardian reports that various Gulf states and Turkey persuaded the Americans not to launch airstrikes.
The US did bomb Iran last year, but reports indicate that other countries in the region persuaded Trump not to launch further strikes now for fear of triggering a major conflict in the area.
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Nevertheless, the Middle East has become more dangerous, and as such, the Foreign Office has issued a warning for people who are considering travelling to the area.
In an update to their advice for Brits on their travels, warnings were issued for 16 countries.
The warning said: "There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.
"British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances."
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People intending to travel to these countries anyway are advised to learn the guidance on what to do if affected by a crisis while abroad, so if developing events cause difficulties, you'll have an idea of what to do and not panic.
The Foreign Office points out that you are personally responsible for your safety, including while travelling, and that they 'do not have a general duty of care to British nationals abroad'.
In essence, don't make stupid travel plans and expect that no matter what happens, the Foreign Office can bail you out.
Some of the countries for which the new warning has been issued, such as Yemen, Syria, and Iran itself, already have the strictest possible Foreign Office warnings in place, which advise people against all travel there, so you should already know to stay away.
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Meanwhile, some, such as Libya and Iraq, have warnings against all travel to parts of the country, and the new warning about regional tensions sits alongside the existing and very clear warnings about travel, which are already in place.
However, there are also some major tourist hotspots in and around the Middle East, such as Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which have also been issued with this travel warning.
It's a sign of dangerous times.
The 16 countries with updated travel warnings
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
- Syria
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Oman
- Libya
- Lebanon
- Kuwait
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Egypt
- Cyprus
- Bahrain
- Iran
Topics: World News, UK News, Iran, Travel
Joe Harker