The Foreign Office has issued updated travel guidance for 13 countries in the Middle East as the US-Iran conflict escalates, urging British travellers to take precautions.
Serious warnings have been directed at Brits across the region as US strikes continue. The US Central Command confirmed it had carried out an 11th consecutive night of attacks on Iran, targeting aircraft hangars and drone storage facilities. Iranian state media reported explosions across several parts of the country.
FCDO Update and Advice
On Wednesday afternoon, the UK Foreign, Development and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) released updated travel guidance for nations throughout the Middle East. 'The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable,' the update reads.
The FCDO has urged affected Brits to read guidance if affected by a crisis abroad, including how to prepare for a crisis with emergency supplies, sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, monitor local and international media, sign up to local information alerts, follow local authorities' instructions, keep departure plans under review, and ensure travel documents are up to date.
Conflict Casualties and Impact
US Central Command confirmed two soldiers lost their lives in Jordan on Friday while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. A service member died in Iraq during the 'controlled detonation' of a downed Iranian drone. A total of 17 US troops have been killed since the war began. US airstrikes have resulted in 53 deaths and 592 injuries since the start of July, Iran's health ministry reported, according to state news agency Fars. Six women and three children were among those killed.
Iran has continued targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while the US reinstated a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The conflict has caused maritime traffic through the strait to plummet, raising concerns about global economic consequences, including for Britain. The strait was open before hostilities began on February 28, but Iran effectively shut it to traffic, disrupting oil and gas supplies and pushing up fuel and food costs. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Iran has maintained control by requiring ships to obtain permission and launching attacks on vessels. Tehran asserts authority over the channel, which the US and other nations challenge under international law.
