The Foreign Office has recommended that British citizens avoid non-essential travel to Bahrain and Kuwait due to the ongoing unpredictability in the region caused by the conflict between the US and Iran.
In the latest travel advisory released today by the FCDO, British nationals currently in the Middle East are cautioned to expect potential flight cancellations, travel disturbances, and frequent airspace closures resulting from the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
A statement issued highlighted the MOU announced by the US and Iran on June 17 regarding the conflict in the Middle East, but emphasized that the situation in the region remains uncertain. Recent strikes and retaliatory actions by Iran in various locations, including Bahrain, against US military and civilian targets since July 8 pose a continued risk of further attacks and unforeseen escalation.
The US Embassy in Manama raised concerns on July 20 that Iran might target unspecified locations in central Manama. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian government had expressed intentions to target US and Israel-associated sites, including organizations, businesses, and institutions.
Similar guidance was provided to British nationals in Kuwait, where both countries have been inadvertently impacted by the tensions between the US and Iran in recent times. Bahrain has been a target of Iranian missiles due to the presence of US military installations, while Kuwait has experienced drone attacks on its airport since the conflict began.
