WASHINGTON, May 15 (UPI) -- Tensions in Iraq have increased the potential threat to U.S. citizens and interests abroad, the State Department warned Saturday.
The general assessment of risks a U.S. traveler can face abroad is included in a travel warning for Iran, where such risks are directly linked to the situation across the border in Iraq.
"Tensions generated by the current situation in Iraq have increased the potential threat to U.S. citizens and interests abroad posed by those who oppose U.S. policy," the department warned.
It reminded Americans that "some elements of the Iranian government and population remain hostile to the United States," adding there's a possibility of Americans being "harassed and kidnapped" while traveling in Iran.
"Some areas of the country, including the Baluchistan border area near Pakistan and Afghanistan generally, are not safe for tourism. The Kurdish northwest of the country and areas near the Iraqi border are not considered safe either," the department warned.
The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to American citizens in Iran, the State Department said.
