Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions. Some airlines in the region have postponed resumption of earlier flight schedules; others have cancelled some routes. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those whe do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.

In Iran, it appears that the United States is heading toward a strategic defeat, according to allies' concerns. With none of President Trump's objectives achieved and the Strait of Hormuz closed, U.S. allies believe that war would lead to disruption and a weakening of its capabilities.

The war may escalate, but so far the result has been "a strategic loss and an embarrassment."

The tension between the United States and Iran. From now on, any sign in the Middle East will receive exaggerated attention, increasing the chances of miscalculation and requiring a greater degree of caution.