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OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
2:22 PM – Saturday, March 14, 2026
The United States issued a warning urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately due to Iran-aligned militias carrying out attacks on targets associated with the U.S. across the country.
On Friday, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Iraq issued a security alert pertinent to Americans in the region.
“Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups pose a significant threat to public safety in Iraq,” the embassy warned. It added that the groups have attacked U.S. citizens, U.S. interests, U.S. businesses, and U.S.-operated energy infrastructure, and they “may continue to target them.” Hotels frequented by U.S. visitors have also been targeted by these groups, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), and the embassy specifically called out kidnapping as a risk faced by Americans.
“U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant, maintain a low profile, and stay away from areas that could make them a target,” the Department of State (DOS) said. “Congregating in areas associated with the United States or with groups of other U.S. citizens could put you at risk.”
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. If you want to leave Iraq, the U.S. government is ready to assist by providing you the latest information about the departure options available,” the department stated. “President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens.”
While the embassy insisted that departing Iraq as quickly as possible is the best option, it told those who choose to stay to “keep a low profile,” “be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location for extended periods,” and “have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.”
However, leaving quickly may prove difficult as the airspace is closed and there are no commercial flights out of Iraq.
Instead, citizens are directed to use local ground transportation to get to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, where they may have more hope of finding flights home. These countries have also faced safety threats due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
If leaving through Jordan, Americans may be able to catch a flight out of Queen Alia International Airport, but they need to apply for a visa online. Jordan has had to intercept Iranian missiles and drones that have entered Jordanian airspace, targeting U.S. military facilities.
Americans must have a passport with at least six months of validity to enter Kuwait, and may secure visas on arrival. Although the continued threat of missile and drone attacks has canceled all commercial flights out of the country, one could take the roadways through to other countries.
Commercial flights are currently operating out of Saudi Arabia, according to the embassy, and Americans are “strongly encouraged” to apply for an eVisa to avoid delays at the border. Though Saudi Arabia has not entered combat directly, Iran retaliated against the U.S. and Israel’s Operation Epic Fury by targeting the Prince Sultan Air Base, which damaged U.S. planes, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and oil facilities such as the Ras Tanura Refinery.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad outlined this warning in an X post on Saturday, instructing Americans to keep their cell phones charged to be able to contact emergency numbers if needed.
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