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By Jack Beresford
Senior Reporter
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The U.S. Embassy in Rome has issued a security alert urging "Americans worldwide"—including those currently in Italy—to exercise heightened caution following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran.
The alert, published on March 18, 2026, echoes that of a warning from the U.S. Embassy in Amsterdam following a series of targeted explosive incidents in several major European cities. The attacks came days after Italian intelligence services published a report warning the risk of terrorism in Italy had increased in the wake of the Iran war.
Why It Matters
Last week, a terrorist group with suspected links to the Iranian regime claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Jewish targets across the continent over a series of days from March 9 through to March 14. Just before, Italy’s intelligence agencies published an annual report warning that the Iran war had increased "fears of an escalation that could also impact the terrorist threat" in the region.
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The report, published on March 4 (via ANSA), said the Palestinian group Hamas was increasingly active in Europe, with alleged activities focused around "the circulation of weapons and possible hostile plans against Israeli and Jewish targets."
The report warned that antisemitism had become increasingly international in scope and is appearing across different extremist ideologies and that Italy could face a heightened risk of terrorist attacks, especially against Israeli targets, U.S. targets and Jewish communities. The report called for increased vigilance when it came to identifying overseas terrorist networks and the financing behind them.
What To Know
According to the State Department, the new military activity in Iran has prompted concerns about retaliatory actions or unrest in various regions, especially across the Middle East. As a result, Americans traveling or residing overseas are advised to monitor security updates from their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
The alert warns that travelers may encounter disruptions due to temporary airspace closures, which could lead to delays or changes in international flight routes.
To help mitigate risk, officials are urging Americans in Italy to review the latest information on the State Department’s travel website, including destination advisories, country-specific guidance and recent security notices. The embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides real‑time email updates from consular officials and helps authorities locate U.S. nationals during emergencies.
Consular officials in Italy have also provided contact details for Americans seeking support. The U.S. Embassy in Rome, along with consulates in the cities of Florence, Milan and Naples, remain available to assist travelers and residents with safety concerns or travel complications related to the alert.
Additionally, Americans in Italy are advised to follow official WhatsApp channels, including "U.S. Department of State — Security Updates for U.S. Citizens" and "U.S. Citizen Information: Italy, San Marino, and Vatican City," which share timely developments and emergency guidance.
For Americans currently in the Middle East, the alert emphasizes the importance of contacting the State Department’s 24/7 Task Force for assistance with safe travel options and situational updates. The task force can be reached at +1‑202‑501‑4444 from abroad or +1‑888‑407‑4747 from within the United States and Canada.
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What People Are Saying
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has described the Iran war to news agency Rai as "an intervention in which Italy does not take part and does not intend to take part."
"We are not at war and we do not want to enter a war," she said, describing the U.S. decision to intervene without seeking NATO approval as "an evident crisis of international law and the collapse of a shared world order."
Meloni did also express concern about the idea of Iran possessing nuclear capabilities: "We cannot afford an ayatollah regime possessing a nuclear weapon, combined with a missile capability that could soon be able to strike Italy and, even more so, Europe directly."
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