U.S. renews Worldwide Caution as Iran targets Gulf states and Trump vows retaliation

Washington warns Americans worldwide to stay alert as U.S. strikes on Iran continue and Gulf airspace disruptions mount.The U.S. State Department has issued a Worldwide Caution advisory warning Americans globally to exercise heightened vigilance amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.The department warned on Tuesday that “the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” adding that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target U.S. interests and Americans “throughout the world”.It also noted that U.S. diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have been targeted.Americans in the Middle East are urged to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions, while those outside the region are advised to reconsider travel to and through the area.U.S. citizens outside the United States are urged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov, follow guidance from their nearest embassy or consulate, monitor local news for developments and track real-time security alerts via the U.S. Department of State’s security platforms on social media.The warning follows the deaths of multiple U.S. service members over the weekend in attacks attributed to Iran.U.S. President Donald Trump vowed retaliation on Monday, writing on social media: “Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!” Trump also said he had passed the directive to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Daniel Caine.The escalation has disrupted air travel across the Gulf. Kuwait has closed its airspace entirely following Iranian missile and drone attacks, grounding most Kuwait Airways flights, while Bahrain and Jordan have also reported interceptions and heightened alerts. Qatar was also among the countries targeted when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Doha in the early hours of 17 July, which Qatar’s air defence systems intercepted. The IRGC subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack on Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar.Qatar’s Hamad International Airport remains open, though passengers transiting the region are advised to confirm flight status with airlines before travelling, as schedules continue to shift with little notice.