The United States has issued a fresh travel advisory asking its citizens not to travel to Iran, Iraq and several other countries in the Middle East.
The warning comes after the launch of US combat operations in Iran, as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its fifth day and expanded to Gulf countries including Dubai, Oman and Bahrain.
In an official statement, the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs said that Americans, particularly those in the Middle East, should carefully follow security guidance issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate.
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The department added that it had circulated a region-wide precautionary message to US citizens in the Middle East and advised them to leave the region while commercial travel options are still available.
In a post on X, the travel wing of the US State Department stated that the Trump administration's highest priority remains the safety and security of Americans worldwide.
As part of the March 3 security update, the State Department classified several countries under different advisory levels, whihc are as follows:
- Under Level 4: Do Not Travel, the countries listed are Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
- Under Level 3: Reconsider Travel, the advisory covers Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- Under Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, Egypt has been listed.
The State Department has provided helpline numbers for Americans citizens a seeking assistance.
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Citizens outside the United States can contact +1-202-501-4444, while those calling from within the US and Canada can dial +1-888-407-4747, the statement added.
The department has also advised Americans to visit the official website travel.state.gov/destination for the latest updates and to enrol at step.state.gov to receive direct alerts.
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US Senate to vote on Trump's War Decision
In the meantime, the US Senate is scheduled to vote on Wednesday on President Donald Trump's decision to begin military action against Iran.
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