US embassy in Baghdad urges citizens to prepare for possible security escalation

The United States Embassy in Baghdad and the US Consulate General in Erbil have called on American citizens in Iraq and the surrounding region to exercise maximum caution, warning of the possibility of unexpected security escalation as regional tensions persist.

According to a security alert issued by both missions, US citizens were advised to remain vigilant and be prepared for potential flight cancellations or temporary airspace closures, as well as disruptions that could affect travel in the coming period.

The alert noted that some airlines in the region have postponed the resumption of previous flight schedules, while others have canceled certain routes, which may limit travel options. US citizens were urged to consider departing or to be ready to do so in the event of any new security escalation.

This comes after the US Embassy in Baghdad implemented new security measures restricting the movement of its staff, requiring them to remain within the diplomatic compound until further notice—a step reflecting heightened security concerns, according to sources cited by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath TV channels.

The sources added that several Western diplomatic missions have also reorganized staff movements and reduced travel outside embassy premises, while raising security readiness and enhancing preventive measures.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that US President Donald Trump has ordered continued military strikes on Iran, with expectations of a new round of attacks beginning as soon as Sunday, after concluding that diplomatic efforts had not achieved the desired results.

The newspaper, citing informed sources, added that a new round of US strikes could begin over the weekend and last several days, despite ongoing negotiations between the two sides.