U.S. issues ‘worldwide caution’ alert as Israel-Iran conflict intensifies

Read more on how Canada is mobilizing “crisis” response teams amid the escalating conflict here.What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important? Learn about the critical global shipping region and Iran’s threats here.The U.S. issued a “worldwide caution security alert” late Sunday, less than 24 hours before Iran launched a barrage of missiles on an American military base in Qatar in retaliation for the strikes by the Trump administration on its nuclear sites.In a security alert posted late Sunday, the U.S. State Department said it’s advising American citizens worldwide to “exercise increased caution.”“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” the alert reads. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.”Story continues below advertisement 3:41Global atomic watchdog holds emergency meeting after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear programThe alert advises U.S. citizens to consult its travel advisory, country information and any recent security alerts if planning travel.Get daily National newsGet the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.Sign up for daily National newsletterSign UpBy providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.The worldwide alert, however, was just the latest in a string of alerts put forward by the U.S. State Department in recent days, including for Iraq, Jordan and Qatar.On Monday morning, the U.S. government advised that its embassy in Qatar was recommending Americans shelter in place until further notice “out of an abundance of caution.”Later in the day, the Qatar government issued an order to shut its airspace.Just a short time after, Iran announced on state television that it attacked American forces stationed at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, with a caption on screen calling it “a mighty and successful response” to “America’s aggression.”Story continues below advertisementEarlier on Sunday, the department also issued a security alert for Turkiye, saying due to regional events U.S. government personnel are being cautioned to maintain a low profile.“Negative sentiment toward U.S. foreign policy may prompt actions against U.S. and Western interests in Turkiye,” the alert said. “In the past, such activities have included demonstrations, calls for boycotts of U.S. businesses, anti-U.S. rhetoric, and graffiti.”Trending NowWhat is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important?Sixteen billion passwords may have been stolen. Here’s how to protect yourselfSunday’s advisory comes as world leaders continue to express concerns over the U.S. launching attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, with the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog saying he expected there to be heavy damage at the Fordo facility after bunker-buster bombs were used in the attack.Russian President Vladimir Putin also commented on Monday that he believed the involvement of countries outside the Middle East was moving the world towards great danger, comments that came after telling Iran’s foreign minister there was no justification for the U.S. bombing of Iran. 1:34Canada calls for de-escalation in Iran conflict as Carney visits EuropeIn the hours since the U.S. strikes, numerous airlines have cancelled more flights to various Middle Eastern countries, with Air France suspending flights to Tel Aviv on Monday until July 14 and Finnair cancelling its routes to and from Doha, Qatar through to this Sunday.Story continues below advertisementOn Friday, Air Canada also suspended service between Toronto and Dubai until July 3, while flights to Israel remain suspended until Sept. 8.Global News has asked Global Affairs Canada whether it plans to issue alerts similar to those of the U.S.— with files from ReutersMore on WorldMore videos145 people stabbed with syringes at France music festival, 12 arrestedIran retaliates with strikes on U.S. military base in QatarVideo shows moment Bernie Sanders learned of U.S. strikes on IranU.S. Supreme Court allows Trump to restart deportations to 3rd countriesU.S. braces for Iranian response following strikesU.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth says Iran’s nuclear ambitions ‘obliterated’ in operation Midnight HammerU.S. attacks Iran nuclear sites, Israel-Iran conflict intensifiesTrump says Iran ‘must now make peace” after US strikes on nuclear facilities