International

Washington Urges Its Nationals in the Middle East to Prepare for Flight Cancellations and Airspace Closures

The U.S. Department of State has asked its citizens residing outside the Middle East region to reassess their travel plans to or through it, against the backdrop of ongoing escalation with Iran.

These warnings come at a time when the region is witnessing escalating tensions between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program and its support for armed factions.

Saber Ghanem Ibrahım Eıd

July 23, 2026•Updated: July 23, 2026

İSTANBUL

Washington / Anadolu

Washington has urged its citizens currently in the Middle East to prepare for potential flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and travel disruptions amidst the ongoing escalation with Iran.

The department issued a worldwide security alert calling on U.S. citizens everywhere to exercise vigilance due to heightened tensions in the region and the potential for unexpected escalation.

The State Department stated that Americans currently in the Middle East "must exercise caution and heightened vigilance, and prepare for potential flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and travel disruptions."

It added that some airlines operating in the region "have delayed the resumption of their previous flight schedules, while other companies have canceled certain routes."

It urged U.S. citizens outside the Middle East to "reconsider traveling to the region or transiting through it."

It also asked travelers to and from the Middle East to "monitor information regarding the operation of airports and airlines, and directly verify that their flights are proceeding on schedule."

It recommended that those whose travel has been affected "contact airlines for details of changes and available alternative options."

In a broader warning, the U.S. State Department said that diplomatic facilities belonging to the United States had been targeted, including facilities located outside the Middle East.

It added that Iran and its aligned groups may target other American interests abroad, or sites associated with the United States and Americans worldwide, including American companies and institutions.

It demanded that citizens "follow security alerts issued by U.S. embassies and consulates, monitor the news for urgent developments, and follow the instructions of local authorities."

This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened earlier on Thursday to resume expanded combat operations against Iran.

The Axios news website reported that Trump said in an interview on Thursday that he is seriously considering resuming expanded combat operations against Iran.

The site also quoted Trump as telling Israeli media that he is considering "the possibility of launching an attack on Iran larger than anything we have seen in the past," but noted that the U.S. president has not made a final decision on the matter to date.

The warning also comes amid the ongoing military confrontation between the United States and Iran, and the accompanying disruptions to air traffic and periodic airspace closures in the region.

For about two weeks, the United States has been launching daily strikes on Iran, while Tehran responds with attacks on ships, bases, and military facilities it says are linked to Washington in countries across the region.

The escalation follows the collapse of the ceasefire included in a memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran last June, which stipulated a halt to military operations, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and entering negotiations to reach a broader agreement.

Washington is demanding guarantees for "freedom of navigation and that ships in the Strait of Hormuz are not targeted," while Tehran insists that ship movement be subject to coordination with its authorities, which has led to a decline in tanker traffic and heightened concerns regarding oil and gas exports from the region.

The United States has tightened its security measures in the Middle East over the past few months. This warning reflects the possibility that tensions could turn into a confrontation that might affect civil aviation. Travelers are advised to follow official instructions and continuously verify their flight schedules.