Department of State urges Americans in Middle East to register with STEP; says 24/7 task force activated

An Agency official at the Department of State urged American citizens in the Middle East to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and said the department has activated a 24/7 task force to provide safety and security information.

The official said, "At the Department of State, our number 1 priority is the safety and the security of American citizens everywhere in the world," and cited recent events, referencing "Operation Epic Fury" and "the cowardly attacks that we're seeing from Iran against Gulf countries," as the reason for the surge in consular support.

Why it matters: The announcement consolidates the department's immediate response options and centralizes guidance for U.S. citizens abroad. The official said the task force will surge personnel and resources "to help provide American citizens with up to the minute safety and security information." That guidance is intended to ensure people can receive timely alerts and consular assistance while overseas.

What the department told Americans to do: The official instructed U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so embassies and consulates can reach them, saying, "You have to register with STEP, and here's where you do it. You go to step.state.gov." The department also encouraged people to follow its "For U.S. citizens" channel on WhatsApp and the department's travel accounts at "travelgov" on social media for updates. The official added that the latest alerts are available on travel.state.gov.

Contact information and availability: The official said the Department of State is available "24 hours a day, 7 days a week" and provided a phone number for U.S. citizens seeking assistance: +1 (202) 501-4444.

The statement did not announce new travel restrictions or provide specific operational details about the task force beyond its 24/7 status and its purpose to provide updates and resources.