US Embassy urges Americans in Iraq to shelter in place until further notice

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a shelter-in-place order for Americans in Iraq on Monday due to heightened security threats. This advisory follows violent riots and demonstrations against the United States, reportedly triggered by the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protests, particularly near the July 14th Bridge in Baghdad, have led to the closure of the International Zone. The embassy has suspended consular operations and directed all staff to shelter in place. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Iraq, citing ongoing threats from Iran-aligned terrorist militias and reports of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace. The U.S. military presence in Iraq is transitioning towards training and advisory support, with a complete withdrawal of international coalition forces scheduled by September 2026.

On March 2, 2026, Iraqi police dispersed pro-Iran protesters near the US embassy in Baghdad. Riot police used tear gas and gunfire to break up the crowd of hundreds. The protesters, described as mourners, had gathered to express grief and outrage over a US-Israeli attack that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The demonstration took place near the US embassy in the Iraqi capital. The protesters' aim was to voice their anger following the death of Khamenei.