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 in the Middle East remains unpredictableunpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks couldby resumeIran atin shorta notice.number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. 

ShouldBritish hostilitiesnationals resume,currently Britishin nationalsthe Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, 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”
• follow advice from the local authorities 
• sign up to to FCDO Travel Travel Advice Advice email alerts
• follow advice from the local authorities
• 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 facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if youadvised are advised to take shelter, staytake 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 provide additional protection.provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.

Before theDo 8not Aprilapproach ceasefire,or thetouch Iranianany regimedrone hador statedmissile itsfragments intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel. This included US or Israeli-linkedunusual 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.