Global Tensions Rise, US Urges Citizens to Beware of Iran-Related Attack Risks

Illustration of the United States flag (pixabay)

JAKARTA - The United States Department of State (US) officially issued a global security warning (worldwide caution) on Sunday, March 22. The US government urges all its citizens in various parts of the world to increase vigilance against the risk of attacks from groups supporting Iran.

This rare step was taken following the escalation of international tensions after the outbreak of the conflict on February 28, 2026. The US warned that American citizens, property, and interests outside the conflict zone were now in a vulnerable position.

The US State Department stressed that this threat is not limited to the Middle East. Several US diplomatic facilities outside the region have recently been the target of security disruptions.

"We recommend that American citizens around the world, especially in the Middle East, increase their vigilance," said a US State Department official statement.

In addition to the risk of physical attacks, the relevant authorities also warned of the potential for periodic airspace closures in various places that could disrupt international flight schedules. Iran-backed groups are allegedly targeting locations closely associated with the identity of the United States.

This global warning is a rare action and usually only occurs when the world is in extreme geopolitical tension, similar to the moment of the 2003 Iraq invasion or the emergence of ISIS in 2014.

Currently, the security status is divided into several levels:

Level 4 (Do not Travel): Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran. In this region, the US government's ability to provide emergency assistance is very limited. Level 3 (Consider Travel Again): Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Israel, Oman, and Cyprus. Level 2 (Increase Awareness): Egypt and Turkey.

Authorities explained that this level reflects a serious risk assessment of terrorism, civil unrest, to kidnapping.

The situation became more tense after President Donald Trump issued a harsh ultimatum. Trump warned that he would destroy Iran's largest power plant if Tehran did not immediately open the Strait of Hormuz and stop threatening tanker ships within 48 hours.

In response, Iran vowed to carry out no less destructive retaliatory action. Tehran threatened to destroy energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region and expand its target list to include financial assets affiliated with the United States around the world.

"Iranian-backed groups may target US interests abroad, or locations associated with the United States and/or American citizens around the world," the US State Department added, while asking its citizens to continue monitoring security guidance from the nearest embassy.