U.S. Diplomatic Missions Become Targets; State Department Issues Global Alert | WPN World People News

As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the U.S. Department of State issued a global security alert on the 22nd for American citizens worldwide. It urged Americans overseas to remain vigilant, especially those in the Middle East, and to closely monitor and follow security guidance released by local U.S. embassies and consulates.

In a post on social media platform X, the State Department noted that frequent airspace closures in certain regions could disrupt transportation and travel plans. At the same time, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad—including those outside the Middle East—are considered potential targets for attacks. Authorities warned that Iran-backed forces may launch attacks against U.S. interests worldwide, including locations associated with the United States and its citizens.

The current tensions stem from joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, during which Iran’s supreme leader, Khamenei, was killed. Tehran quickly initiated retaliatory measures. On the 20th, a senior Iranian military spokesperson, Shekarchi, publicly threatened that attacks could extend to global tourist hotspots, stating that “no park, recreational area, or tourist site in the world is safe.”

In addition, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was recently attacked, with its helicopter landing pad struck. Since the conflict began, Iran-backed armed groups have carried out multiple attacks, further worsening the situation.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding that it reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants. The deadline is set to expire at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the 23rd, leaving roughly 24 hours remaining.

In response, Iran issued a strong statement on the 22nd, warning that if the U.S. destroys its power infrastructure, it will adopt a “zero restraint” policy. This would include retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure along the Persian Gulf and targeting banking systems that conduct business with the United States. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also declared that Iran would not back down.