Americans traveling abroad now face heightened dangers as the State Department has issued a rare “worldwide caution” advisory warning U.S. citizens of potential terrorist attacks and anti-American demonstrations across the globe.
President Trump’s bold action to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat has put Americans at risk of becoming targets of Iranian retaliation.
The State Department’s advisory warns Americans to exercise increased vigilance due to significant travel disruptions caused by escalating Middle East tensions.
Periodic airspace closures across the region have already disrupted commercial flights, while the threat of anti-American demonstrations looms worldwide.
The State Department stated:
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.”
Iran: U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and should depart Iran immediately if you are there. U.S. citizens who are unable to depart Iran should shelter in place.
As of Friday, June 13, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization closed the country’s airspace until… pic.twitter.com/1xdlVuNRb6— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) June 13, 2025
The advisory follows what military officials have dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer” – the successful U.S. strikes that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims dealt a “final blow” to Iran’s nuclear program.
President Trump announced the strikes were “very successful,” with targeted facilities “completely obliterated.”
U.S. citizens currently in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank face particularly high risks and are explicitly warned against remaining in these areas due to armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest.
The State Department has authorized the departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government employees from Israel and is assisting Americans wanting to leave.
For Americans still in Iran, the situation is dire. With Iranian airspace now closed following the strikes, U.S. citizens are advised to depart by land when safe to do so.
The Iranian regime has promised retaliation, with officials condemning America for crossing what they termed a “very big red line.”
“ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT,” President Donald Trump warned on Truth Social.
Additionally, the DHS has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin, indicating a heightened threat environment within U.S. borders.
Terrorist groups and violent extremists may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and government facilities both domestically and abroad.
In Turkey, U.S. government officials have been instructed to maintain a low profile and avoid travel to the southernmost provinces.
The alert warned, “Negative sentiment toward U.S. foreign policy may prompt actions against U.S. or Western interests,” highlighting potential demonstrations and boycotts.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a firm stance, declaring:
“We’ll impose costs on Iran if they attack American personnel, whether they do it directly, or whether they do it through some of these proxies that they try to hide behind.”
Americans traveling internationally during this period are strongly advised to research destinations thoroughly, check the State Department’s travel advisories regularly, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates and alerts.
The government recommends preparing emergency contacts and independent exit strategies, as U.S. government assistance for evacuations cannot be guaranteed in all situations.
