The U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide security alert Sunday, warning that Iran-aligned groups have begun striking U.S. diplomatic facilities outside the Middle East and may continue targeting American interests globally.
“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution,” the State Department said in the alert. “Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.”
The advisory cited three recent attacks on U.S. consular infrastructure beyond the conflict zone. An improvised explosive device detonated at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway. Gunfire was directed at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, Canada. A deadly breach occurred at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, Pakistan.
Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Periodic airspace closures… pic.twitter.com/mX0ULIEzLv
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) March 22, 2026
The State Department also warned of periodic airspace closures that may cause travel disruptions and advised citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive real-time security updates.
The alert follows U.S. and Israeli forces launching joint strikes against Iran on February 28, which President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Tehran on the first day of strikes. Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, was chosen to succeed him.
Iran has since responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel, regional U.S. military bases, and Gulf nation targets. Iranian forces are also working to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which roughly 20 percent of global oil supply passes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqher Qalibaf warned that Tehran would strike energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf and financial institutions doing business with the United States if Washington continues its military campaign.
Iranian military spokesman Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi separately warned that Iran-aligned groups would begin targeting tourism destinations.
A projectile struck a helipad at the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad on March 20, a facility Iran-backed militant groups have repeatedly targeted since hostilities began.
The State Department advised Americans to monitor travel.state.gov for destination-specific advisories and to follow @TravelGov on X for updates.
