The US Embassy in Iraq advised American citizens to remain in their current locations until further instructions on Monday, pointing to increased security risks throughout the nation.

In a security alert, the embassy recommended that U.S. nationals take extra care, steer clear of large gatherings, and maintain a low profile amid ongoing unrest and protests targeting the U.S. in the wake of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s passing.

The embassy noted that protests—especially those near Baghdad’s July 14th Bridge—have become violent, leading Iraqi officials to shut down the International Zone in central Baghdad, with only a few exceptions allowed.

The U.S. Mission in Iraq additionally ordered all its personnel to stay in their current locations and halted consular services, including regular administrative tasks.

The airport is currently closed, according to officials, and travelers were told to reach out to airlines directly for the latest information.

The U.S. State Department keeps a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory in place for Iraq, encouraging Americans to avoid traveling to the country for any purpose and advising those already present to reassess their personal security plans and think about leaving when circumstances permit.

“Security threats continue to present a major risk to public safety,” the U.S. embassy stated in a post on X. “There are ongoing reports of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace.”

U.S. military presence in Iraq has changed in recent years, as Iraqi officials announced in January the formal transfer of Al-Asad Air Base from U.S. troops to Iraqi authority.

Iraq’s defense ministry characterized this step as part of a larger shift toward long-term security collaboration with the U.S., Britain, France, Italy, Spain, and other nations, with a focus on training and advisory assistance.

Iraqi officials stated that international coalition troops are set to pull out from their headquarters in Erbil by September 2026’s end, in line with mutually agreed timelines.