US Embassy warns Iran-aligned groups still planning attacks on Americans

BAGHDAD — The U.S. Embassy in Iraq warned Tuesday that Iran-aligned armed groups continue to plan attacks against American citizens and U.S.-linked sites across the country, including in the Kurdistan Region, and urged any Americans in Iraq to leave immediately.

“Iran-aligned terrorist militias continue to plan additional attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S.-associated targets throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” the embassy said, adding that “some elements of the Iraqi government continue to provide political, financial, and operational support to these terrorist militias.”

The embassy reiterated its highest-level travel advisory — “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there” — and warned Americans not to approach the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil “due to the significant security risks.”

While Iraq’s airspace has reopened with limited commercial flights, the embassy cautioned that travelers should be aware of “ongoing potential risks posed by rockets, drones, and missiles in Iraqi airspace.” Land routes to neighboring countries remain open.

The warning comes as Iraq has been drawn into the broader U.S.-Iran conflict that began in late February 2026. Militias operating under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq umbrella have launched repeated drone and missile strikes targeting U.S. military bases, diplomatic sites and other facilities across the country, with attacks reported at locations including Erbil International Airport and bases near Baghdad during peak escalation periods.