The United States on Sunday warned its citizens to exercise increased caution while in Turkey and to avoid travel to the country’s southeastern provinces, citing fears of potential Iranian retaliation for US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend.
In a security alert, the US mission in Turkey said all American government personnel have been instructed to avoid personal travel to the US Consulate Adana’s consular district, which comprises 22 provinces in the country’s southeast and includes İncirlik Airbase, which supports US and NATO interests in the region. The mission cited growing regional tensions and the possibility of anti-American sentiment as key concerns.
The warning followed US airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure, which have raised fears of reprisal attacks against American interests across the region. As a precaution, security personnel at all US embassies and consulates were ordered to review their posts’ security measures and submit assessments to the State Department by late Sunday.
“Negative sentiment toward U.S. foreign policy may prompt actions against U.S. or Western interests in Turkey,” the alert said. “Such activities have included demonstrations, calls for boycotts of U.S. businesses, anti-U.S. rhetoric, and graffiti.”
The embassy warned that large gatherings may result in increased police presence, road closures and traffic disruptions. It cautioned that even peaceful protests could quickly escalate into violence.
The advisory recommended that Americans in Turkey keep a low profile, avoid areas associated with the US, Israel or Western visitors and steer clear of protests and demonstrations. US citizens were also encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and emergency assistance if needed.
The southeastern region has long been considered more volatile due to ongoing security concerns and its proximity to regional conflict zones, but the latest warning reveals broader fears of fallout from escalating US-Iran tensions.
The United States entered an ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran over the weekend, with American warplanes and submarines targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday local time.
US President Donald Trump claimed the operation “obliterated” the sites, but officials are still assessing how significant of a blow it dealt to Tehran’s program.
Iran has vowed to respond, saying it “reserves all options.” Trump warned Iranian retaliation against US assets “will be met with even greater force than what was unleashed today.”