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US warns Americans in Middle East ahead of Trump Iran deadline
US government employees and Americans in Bahrain have been told to shelter in place
Agencies
Published: 08 Apr 2026, 01:22 AM
The State Department on Tuesday warned Americans in the Middle East to evacuate ahead of President Trump’s threatened bombings on a wide range of infrastructure in Iran, escalating tensions in the region.
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority
than the safety and security of Americans worldwide. On 2 March, we issued a
region-wide precautionary message to Americans in the Middle East in light of
evolving dynamics,” the US Embassy in Cairo wrote in a post on the social
platform X.
The warning comes as Trump has threatened to launch
a major bombing campaign after an 8pm EDT deadline if Iran doesn’t reopen the
Strait of Hormuz or agree to a deal, The Hill reported.
The president said “a whole civilisation will die
tonight” unless “something revolutionarily wonderful” occurs.
In response to the escalation, the State Department
increased its travel advisories in Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United
Arab Emirates to Level 3, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to any
of those destinations given serious risks to safety and security.
The warning comes nearly a month before the Hajj,
the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is considered the
holy city for Muslims.
The State Department told religious travelers to
begin “reconsidering” participation in the Hajj this year.
“Beginning 18 April, individuals attempting to enter
Mecca will be required to show a Hajj permit, a residency ID issued from Mecca,
or a valid Mecca work permit. Other visa holders should depart Mecca before
April 18,” the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs said in a post on
the social platform X.
“These measures will remain in effect until early to
mid-June. The US Embassy and Consulates have suspended all routine consular
services and are providing limited emergency services for American Citizens,”
it continues.
Egypt remains at Level 2, which urges travelers to
exercise increased caution. The State Department said extremists and
Iranian-aligned actors have expressed interest in planning and carrying out
attacks in the region, including attacks on university campuses.
US government employees and Americans in Bahrain
have been told to shelter in place.
“To the extent possible, remain in a secure
structure, and stay away from windows. Have a supply of food, water,
medications, and other essential items,” the State Department wrote in a post
on its TravelGov account on X.
“Please continue to check your email for additional
information or last-minute changes,” it added, noting the US Embassy Manama has
suspended all routine consular services.
It follows the closure of US embassies in Saudi
Arabia and Kuwait after strikes from Tehran hit both.
Americans in the Middle East who need consular
assistance have been directed to call the 24/7 State Department task force at
+1-202-501-4444.