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By Mandy Taheri
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A security alert from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad on Saturday warned American citizens to "leave Iraq immediately," citing risks of attacks from "Iran-aligned terrorist militias" and potential kidnapping.
Why It Matters
The U.S. and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28, which notably killed the country’s longtime Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, Israel and U.S. forces have carried out sustained bombardments across the country, including strikes on military facilities, as well as energy and civilian infrastructure.
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CNN estimates at least 3,000 people have been killed across the region since the war began, and the United Nations (U.N.) refugee agency says more than 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran. The war has expanded beyond Iran, with Tehran hitting Gulf states and Israel striking Lebanon.
The U.S. State Department has issued several advisories across the region warning Americans, including calls for some U.S. citizens to leave parts of the Middle East immediately.
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What To Know
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad posted a security alert on Saturday, hours after the embassy was struck and smoke was seen rising from the embassy roof. No party has publicly claimed responsibility for the strike.
The embassy warned that "Iran and its aligned terrorist militias pose a major threat to public safety in Iraq. Attacks have occurred against U.S. citizens, U.S. interests, and critical infrastructure."
Several Iran-backed militias operate in neighboring Iraq, according to Reuters. The embassy warned these groups have previously targeted diplomatic sites, U.S. companies and managed infrastructure, as well as "hotels frequented by foreigners and other U.S.-associated facilities throughout Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq."
The announcement continued: "Americans face a risk of kidnapping, and U.S. individuals have been directly targeted. Iran-aligned terrorist militias may hinder the Iraqi authorities’ ability to respond effectively in emergencies."
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iraq, citing risks including civil unrest, kidnapping and hostage-taking, and terrorism.
The security update notes: "Commercial flights from Iraq are not currently operating. There are land routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey," noting that Americans should move quickly as "Most land border crossings are open but may close at any time with short notice."
In addition to leaving the country, Americans in Iraq are encouraged to keep a stockpile of food, water, medication, avoid protests and demonstrations, and stay away from any debris.
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What Happens Next
Americans in Iraq are encouraged to leave as soon as possible. Thousands of displaced Iranians have arrived in Turkey in an effort to leave the country.
It is unclear how long the Iran war will last. During a phone interview aired Friday on Fox Radio’s The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump said that U.S. military operations in Iran will cease “when I feel it…feel it in my bones.” Moments earlier, he suggested the fighting may not continue much longer, saying, “I don’t think it’s going to be long when it’s over.
Update 3/14/26, 3:03 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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