The U.S. has issued a warning for civilians to reconsider travel plans if they intend to go to or pass through the Middle East, noting that the conflict with Iran could escalate rapidly.
The U.S. Department of State posted on X around midnight on Saturday, 19 Sep 2026 GMT+7, advising Americans to reconsider travel plans to or through the Middle East due to the possibility of rapid deterioration in the conflict with Iran, as Tehran maintains its stance on the Strait of Hormuz.
The Department also urged Americans in the region to exercise heightened caution and prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions, while several U.S. embassies in the Middle East issued similar warnings.
The situation in the Middle East is worsening again after the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen resumed fighting against the government forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis have launched multiple attacks on Saudi Arabia and seized strategic areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he is currently "deciding" how to respond to Iran, warning that tougher measures could be considered depending on Iran's actions. He also claimed to have contacted the Houthis, who agreed not to attack the U.S.
The war between the U.S. and Iran has now entered its seventh month, with the Iranian parliament speaker insisting that the shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. meets Iran’s conditions.
On Saturday, Iran renewed its demands to the U.S. through intermediaries Qatar and Pakistan, reiterating conditions including ending all fronts of war, lifting the naval blockade, withdrawing troops, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and paying war reparations.
Additionally, the Iranian military warned regional countries that any support or cooperation with the U.S. would be met with retaliation from Tehran.
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Source:cnbc