WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State on Friday, July 24, 2026, maintained its heightened Worldwide Caution advisory, urging American citizens overseas to exercise extreme vigilance amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East. The renewed warning follows U.S. Central Command airstrikes inside Iran and Houthi militant attacks on commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which have intensified concerns over the safety of U.S. interests abroad. Federal intelligence assessments state that state-backed actors and regional proxy groups may target U.S. commercial entities, diplomatic facilities, and private citizens, prompting officials to keep the emergency advisory in place. WASHINGTON — The advisory comes as airlines across the Middle East cancel flights and extend airspace closures, stranding travelers and disrupting major international transit corridors that connect Europe, Asia, and Africa. The State Department and other federal security agencies have instructed U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), monitor official alerts, and maintain immediate contingency plans for evacuation. The security posture abroad coincides with rising political friction in Washington, where the House of Representatives has approved a war powers resolution aimed at restricting unauthorized U.S. military hostilities against Iran following White House statements on potential large-scale operations.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.