Current Situation
Following U.S. military action against Iran, the security situation across the Middle East remains fluid and rapidly evolving. Airspace closures have disrupted commercial flights throughout the region, and the State Department is urging all Americans in the region to depart immediately where it is safe to do so.
The State Department has established a 24/7 task force and is coordinating departure assistance. For the most current guidance, visit travel.state.gov.
What to Do Right Now
Regardless of where you are in the region, take these steps immediately:
— Register your location and request assistance through the State Department’s crisis intake portal: mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake
— Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) at mytravel.state.gov/s/step to receive real-time security alerts from the nearest U.S. Embassy.
— Follow the State Department’s WhatsApp channel for live security updates for U.S. citizens abroad.
— Shelter in place until you have specific departure guidance. Do not move toward airports or borders without confirming current conditions first.
— Keep family and friends in the United States informed of your location and contact information.
Key Contacts
U.S. State Department — 24/7 Emergency Line
From the U.S. and Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From overseas: +1-202-501-4444
State Department Crisis Intake — Report Your Location and Status
mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake
U.S. Embassy Bern (consular assistance for Americans in Iran)
BernACS@state.gov | +41-31-357-7011
Official Travel Advisories and Updates
Iowa Injured Veterans Grant
If an Iowa service member has been injured in combat and evacuated from the theater, the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Injured Veterans Grant provides up to $10,000 to help Iowa families travel to be with their veteran.
Who qualifies: Iowa service members or veterans seriously injured in the line of duty in a hazardous area.
How to apply: The application is available as a PDF at dva.iowa.gov/benefits/state-benefits. Contact the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs directly with questions: 1-800-432-7230
Congressman Nunn’s office is actively coordinating with Iowa units, the Secretary of War, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure Iowa military families receive the most current information available as the situation develops.
Need Help from Our Office?
If you are an Iowan currently in the region and need assistance, contact our Des Moines District Office: (515) 400-8180
To allow our office to formally contact the State Department on your behalf, you will need to complete a Congressional Privacy Release Form. When you reach out, please have the following ready:
— Full legal name (as it appears on your passport)
— Date of birth
— Current location
— Contact information
— A brief description of your situation
Congressman Nunn is monitoring this situation closely and is committed to making sure every Iowan abroad has the information and support they need to get home safely.