The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert on March 14, 2026, explicitly telling American citizens to leave Iraq now amid escalating threats from Iran-aligned terrorist militias. The alert followed reports of a missile striking a helipad inside the embassy compound earlier that day, causing fire and damage but no immediate reports of casualties.

Iran-aligned groups have conducted repeated attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities, businesses, energy infrastructure, and hotels frequented by foreigners across Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Risks include terrorism, kidnapping, missiles, drones, rockets, violent protests, and civil unrest, particularly near the July 14th Bridge and Tahrir Square in Baghdad. The U.S. maintains a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Iraq, unchanged since March 2.

On March 2, the State Department ordered all non-emergency U.S. government employees to depart Iraq due to security concerns, suspending routine consular services at the Baghdad embassy and Erbil consulate. Iraqi airspace remains closed to commercial flights, forcing potential departures via overland routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or Türkiye, where land borders are open but face long delays. The U.S. government is providing information on visa requirements and entry procedures for these neighbors but cannot guarantee assisted evacuations.

The latest alert emphasizes preparing contingency plans independent of U.S. assistance, stocking food, water, and medications for sheltering in place, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and monitoring local news. Americans are advised to maintain a low profile, avoid protests, and stay under cover during attacks to evade falling debris.

Tensions have surged following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory actions by Tehran-backed militias. Iraqi authorities have closed the International Zone in central Baghdad, limiting access near the embassy. Daily security alerts since early March have reiterated the dangers, with overland travel highlighted as the primary exit option.

No timetable was given for reopening airspace or lifting the departure order.