▲ U.S. Department of State
The U.S. government issued a travel advisory for its citizens worldwide on July 20 (local time) in relation to the war with Iran.
The U.S. Department of State stated, "Due to increased tensions in the Middle East, there is a possibility that the complex security situation could escalate into unforeseen events," adding, "U.S. citizens currently staying in the Middle East need to exercise extreme caution."
This warning follows the intensifying armed conflict between the United States and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route.
The U.S. Department of State advised U.S. citizens in the Middle East to "prepare for potential flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and travel disruptions," and urged them to "frequently check security alerts from embassies and consulates, as well as announcements from local authorities and news reports."
Furthermore, the department requested that U.S. citizens staying in other regions reconsider any travel or transit plans to the Middle East.
The U.S. Department of State warned, "U.S. diplomatic facilities outside the Middle East have also been targeted in the past," adding, "Iran and Iran-affiliated groups could target facilities and locations associated with the United States or U.S. citizens anywhere in the world."
The U.S. Department of State previously issued a global travel advisory for its citizens in March, when U.S. embassy facilities in the Middle East became targets due to the war with Iran.
The international community is highly concerned about the risk of the conflict between the United States and Iran escalating into an all-out war once again.
Although both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 17 to observe a 60-day ceasefire and pursue follow-up peace negotiations, the MOU has effectively been scrapped amid recent armed clashes.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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