The U.S. has issued an urgent call for all American citizens to leave Iraq, warning of an escalating campaign of threats and attacks by Iran and Iran‑aligned militias.
Why It Matters
The latest alert, released by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, states that American universities and institutions with perceived U.S. ties in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk may be targeted, alongside other civilian sites across the country.
What To Know
On Sunday, Rudaw, a news network based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, published a statement from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warning that US- and Israeli-linked universities in the region were now “legitimate targets” in the Iran war. There were U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Isfahan University of Technology (IUT) and the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in Tehran.
The IRGC advised “the unwise rulers of the White House” that, “from now on, all universities of the occupier [Israeli] regime and American universities in the West Asia region will be legitimate targets for us.” The warning added that staff, students and anyone living close to the U.S.-linked universities to keep a distance of at least half-a-mile from them.
According to the advisory, “Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target the American Universities in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk, along with other universities perceived to be associated with the United States.” It noted that Iranian officials and affiliated militias have “specifically threatened American universities across the Middle East” and have already conducted widespread attacks on U.S.-linked targets throughout Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
The militias have also struck Iraqi government institutions, airports, hotels frequented by foreigners, and energy infrastructure. The U.S. government warned that these groups may attempt kidnappings of Americans, while the threat of missiles, drones and rockets in Iraqi airspace remains acute.
The advisory also stated: “The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks against the United States and regional countries from Iraqi territory. U.S. citizens should leave Iraq now.” Although the U.S. Mission in Iraq remains open, it continues to operate under ordered departure status. Americans are urged not to travel to the Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Irbil because of ongoing aerial threats. The Department of State reiterated its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning, emphasizing: “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there.”
With Iraq’s airspace closed and commercial flights suspended, Americans are being encouraged to leave via overland routes into Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia or Turkey. Each route comes with its own restrictions, visa requirements, and potential delays, the advisory noted. Jordan currently offers the most-accessible departure point, with commercial flights operating from Amman and new visa-free transit options for Iraq-based passengers. Saudi Arabia and Turkey also remain viable exit routes for those with valid travel documents. Kuwait’s flight operations, however, remain halted due to drone and missile risks.
The U.S. government says its top priority is the safety of American citizens, with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio receiving regular updates. U.S. citizens are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, maintain communication with family, avoid protests, keep a low profile, and ensure travel documents are current.
“U. S. citizens choosing to remain in Iraq are doing so at significant risk,” the advisory warned.
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