Iran Threatens U.S. Universities in Lebanon; Officials Urge Immediate Egress for Americans

(SeaPRwire) –   U.S. officials report that Iran and its proxy terrorist groups have made specific threats against universities in Lebanon, prompting the State Department to advise Americans to depart immediately while commercial air travel remains an option.

According to officials, Iran has issued “specific threats” targeting American universities located throughout the Middle East.

The security environment in Lebanon was characterized by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut as “volatile and unpredictable.”

A security alert from officials noted that “airstrikes, drones, and rocket attacks happen across the nation, particularly in the south, the Beqaa region, and certain areas of Beirut.”

STATE DEPARTMENT URGES AMERICANS TO LEAVE MIDDLE EAST AS AIRSPACE CLOSURES DISRUPT TRAVEL

The embassy further stated it strongly urges U.S. citizens in southern Lebanon, areas near the Syrian border, refugee settlements, and the southern suburbs of Beirut—such as Dahiyeh—to leave those locations without delay.

The State Department added, “We advise U.S. citizens in Lebanon who decide against departing to make contingency plans for emergencies and to be ready to shelter in place if conditions worsen.”

Middle East Airlines is currently providing commercial flights from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Officials stated that Americans should give serious consideration to taking one of these flights “if they feel it is safe to travel.”

Limited emergency passport services are being offered by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to American citizens.

All standard consular services, such as visa processing, have been put on hold indefinitely.

Officials said that individuals with scheduled travel to Lebanon should cancel their plans.