U.S. Warns Americans to Reconsider Middle East Travel as Brent Crude Jumps 72%
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 20
U.S. Warns Americans to Reconsider Middle East Travel as Brent Crude Jumps 72%
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 20
Summary
The State Department told Americans outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travel through the region, warning the Iran war could escalate rapidly.
U.S. embassies issued security alerts citing possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions, while Americans already in the region were urged to maintain heightened vigilance.
Saudi Arabia faced fresh strain after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis said they struck sensitive sites in Riyadh with missiles and drones; smoke was seen near the capital's main airport, though authorities gave no cause.
Iran kept pressure on Washington by saying the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until its conditions are met, including lifting sanctions, ending the naval blockade and releasing frozen assets.
Brent crude has surged 72% since the start of 2026 as the nearly seven-month war has choked energy flows through Hormuz, underscoring the conflict's widening regional and economic risks.