The UK FCO announced this morning that Iran has declared three days of national mourning (03-06 Jan 2020), following the death of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a US strike in Baghdad on 03 Jan. Rallies and marches are likely in cities across Iran, and could become violent. Travellers should avoid any rallies, marches, or processions, and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Iraq published a Security Alert (03 Jan 2020) stating that ‘due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to heed the January 2020 Travel Advisory and depart Iraq immediately. U.S. citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all public consular operations are suspended until further notice’.

Remain alert for further security notices being issued across the Middle East in the coming days.