Chicago – March 14, 2026
The US Embassy in Baghdad has issued an urgent directive for American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, citing ongoing threats from rockets, drones, mortars, and attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US facilities, including a recent airstrike on a radar installation in the Green Zone.
This warning coincides with President Donald Trump’s renewed call on Truth Social for allies like the UK, France, China, Japan, South Korea, and others to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for one-fifth of global oil shipments.
Trump emphasized that US strikes have neutralized much of Iran’s military capacity but vowed continued bombardment of Iranian shorelines and vessels to counter the blockade imposed during the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict, limiting emergency services for US nationals.
Iran insists the strait remains open to non-hostile traffic, amid fears of broader regional escalation.
