US sounds alarm over Saudi-Houthi tensions, issues travel advisory for citizens in Middle East

The Donald Trump administration has issued a fresh security warning to Americans in and travelling through the Gulf, citing the risk of “unforeseen escalation” amid the latest military exchange between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi militia.

In an advisory, the US state department asked Americans to “seriously reconsider travel to and through the region” and warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions. The guidance covers Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza , Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE and Yemen.

“Due to tensions in the Middle East , the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions,” the advisory read.

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“This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. US diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted,” it added.

The warning came after Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh on Saturday. The Saudi-led coalition also said it thwarted attempted attacks targeting Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.

The Houthis claimed they targeted “sensitive” sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu with missiles and drones.

The state department said the security environment across the Gulf remains “complex” and could deteriorate unexpectedly.

It alleged that “Iranian-supported Houthis” have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia . This included attacks involving civilian airports, the US claimed. Americans travelling in or through the region were advised to closely monitor airport and airline operations because of the possibility of sudden disruptions.

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The US, in the advisory, also cautioned that American diplomatic facilities had been targeted, including facilities outside the Gulf. It said Iran and groups supporting Iran could target other US interests overseas or places associated with American citizens and businesses.

Americans in the region were advised to follow instructions from the nearest US embassy or consulate and monitor country-specific security alerts.

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The US maintains a Level 3 -- Reconsider Travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, citing risks including Iranian missile and drone attacks, armed conflict and terrorism. Commercial flights remain operational but have faced disruptions.