Regional tensions

The US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East.East, Thehowever the situation remainsin unpredictable.the IranMiddle hasEast remains unpredictable. carriedSince out8 furtherJuly there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks onby Iran in a number of locations across the region sinceagainst US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the MOUregion. wasBefore agreed,the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and couldIsrael, doincluding soorganisations, againbusinesses, atfacilities, shortand notice.institutions.

There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the 8 April ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. 

The Houthis (a military group in Yemen) have made public threats to target Saudi infrastructure. They have previously carried out attacks on Saudi infrastructure including airports, and could do so again at short notice.notice including Seeairports and ports in Riyadh and Jeddah. See ‘Regional risks’ page.

ShouldBritish hostilitiesnationals resume,currently Britishin nationalsthe should:Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruption, and should: 

• read 

  read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”crisis” 

• follow advice from the local authorities

• signauthorities and sign up to to FCDO Travel Travel Advice Advice email alerts

• monitor local and international media for the latest informationinformation, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice 

• stay away from areas around security or military facilitiesfacilities 

• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to datedate 

• if

  if you you are advised toto take take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provideprovide additional protection. additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure

Before the 8 April ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel. This included US or Israeli-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. Iran has previously targeted civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.