The United States Government has issued updated security guidance for American travellers across the Middle East after military strikes involving US and Israeli forces targeted locations in Iran, including the capital Tehran.

Against the backdrop of the violence, the United States Department of State released a three-tier travel advisory system for Americans in 13 Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, urging citizens already abroad to stay alert, limit movement, or leave where possible.

Here is the latest update and categories of from a latest check on the International Travel website on Monday morning by our correspondent.

The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed destination-specific travel and risk information to allow Americans to make informed international travel decisions.

Meanwhile, the strike action, announced by Donald Trump, was described by officials as a move to “eliminate imminent threats” linked to Iran’s missile and military programmes.

Trump said the strikes marked the start of major combat operations aimed at destroying Iran’s missile production infrastructure and naval capabilities.

The military action followed months of rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.

In a dramatic development, Trump also claimed that Iran’s supreme leader had been killed in the strikes.

Iranian state media later confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei, though it did not address the reported air assault on his residence.

Subsequently, the state on Sunday declared 40 days mourning and seven days public holiday.

US Issues Security Updates for Americans in the Middle East

The U.S. government has released updated travel and security guidance for Americans across the Middle East, placing countries into three advisory tiers.

Level 4: Do Not Travel for Any Reason

Iran – No U.S. Embassy; shelter in place

Iraq – Exercise caution, limit movements, shelter in place as needed

Lebanon – Depart now via commercial options

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Bahrain – Shelter in place

Israel – Shelter in place

Kuwait – Shelter in place

Pakistan – Exercise caution, avoid large gatherings (some areas are Level 4)

Qatar – Shelter in place

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Egypt – Exercise caution

Jordan – Shelter in place and avoid U.S. Embassy area

Oman – Shelter in place in Duqm and within 100 km of Salalah

Saudi Arabia – Shelter in place in Dhahran

United Arab Emirates – Shelter in place

“Americans needing consular assistance are advised to contact U.S. authorities through the 24/7 emergency lines provided in the advisory,” it concluded.

Earlier on Saturday, US Department of State directed all American personnel in several Middle Eastern countries to shelter in place following US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday that triggered explosions and plumes of smoke in Tehran.

The advisories apply to Americans in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel, among others, with embassy officials urging citizens to remain indoors until further notice.

The State Department encouraged US citizens needing urgent help overseas to use 24-hour emergency consular contact lines.

Officials say the advisory is part of a broader effort to protect Americans abroad as regional military tensions remain high following the latest round of strikes. (PUNCH)

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