The United States has issued sweeping travel advisories for Americans in the Middle East as intelligence reports indicate an imminent Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

At a Glance

• US restricts government employees’ travel in Israel and orders nonessential staff to leave Baghdad Embassy
• Voluntary departures authorized for US personnel and families from Bahrain and Kuwait
• Iran conducts military drills and threatens “more forceful and destructive” retaliation against Israel
• US missions across Middle East, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe told to prepare for potential risks
• President Trump expressed skepticism about nuclear negotiations with Iran succeeding

US Issues Regional Travel Restrictions as Tensions Mount

The United States government has significantly tightened travel restrictions for its personnel across the Middle East as tensions between Israel and Iran reach a critical point. US employees and their families in Israel are now prohibited from traveling outside major cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba, though movement between these cities and Ben Gurion Airport remains permitted. These measures come as intelligence suggests Israel may be preparing for military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The US has also taken the significant step of ordering nonessential personnel to evacuate from its embassy in Baghdad, while issuing strong warnings against any travel to Iraq. Defense Secretary has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from the region, with particular focus on those stationed in Bahrain. These precautionary evacuations underscore the serious nature of the current threat assessment.

US State Department issues warning to American citizens in Iran

◾️ ‘US citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and should depart Iran immediately if you are there’

◾️ ‘US citizens in Iran face serious, increasing dangers due to rising regional tensions’

◾️ ‘The US… pic.twitter.com/2xoyDCX8Qc

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) June 13, 2025

Iran Prepares Military Response

Iranian military forces have initiated large-scale drills in preparation for potential confrontation with Israel. These exercises come after previous missile exchanges between the two nations, where Iranian attacks were largely neutralized by Israeli air defenses, while Israel’s retaliatory strikes successfully degraded Iran’s air defense systems. The Islamic Republic appears to be positioning itself for a more effective response should Israel launch further attacks.

“Iran’s retaliation to any Israeli aggression will be “more forceful and destructive” than in past offensives,”, stated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Hossein Salami.

Sources indicate Iran has prepared counterstrikes utilizing ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israeli territory. Despite the heightened military posture, foreign energy companies operating in Iraq reportedly continue normal operations. The Iranian government has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, despite international concerns about uranium enrichment activities that could enable weapons development.

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Nuclear Negotiations Stall as Military Options Considered

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear standoff have reached an impasse. President Trump has publicly expressed doubts about reaching a deal with Iran, as negotiations remain deadlocked over uranium enrichment limits. The talks aim to restrict Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for lifting crippling US economic sanctions that have severely impacted the Iranian economy since their reimposition.

Iran recently vowed to increase uranium enrichment following an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution declaring the country non-compliant with nuclear safeguards agreements. Trump has reportedly advised Israeli leadership to allow diplomatic negotiations to proceed before taking military action, though preparations for potential strikes appear to be advancing regardless.

US missions across a wide geographic area spanning the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe have been instructed to prepare for potential security risks stemming from any Israeli military action against Iran. The comprehensive nature of these preparations indicates American intelligence agencies anticipate significant regional instability should hostilities escalate further between the longtime adversaries.