US issues Turkey travel warning following Iran attack.

US issues Turkey travel warning following Iran attack.

The United States has issued a travel warning for Turkey following the recent U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. The warning, issued on June 19, 2025, advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution due to the potential for escalating regional tensions and security risks [1].

Türkiye, Turkey's official name, has expressed deep concern over the U.S. strike on Iran, warning that it could trigger global security risks and escalate the regional conflict. Ankara has called on all parties involved to act responsibly and avoid further loss of life and destruction. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has emphasized that the only way to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear program is through negotiations and has offered to make constructive contributions [1].

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has also urged greater unity among Islamic countries to resist Israeli actions and growing regional instability. He has warned of attempts to impose a "new Sykes-Picot order" in the Middle East and called for the Islamic world to become a pole of its own in global affairs. Erdoğan has expressed confidence in the resilience of the Iranian people and condemned Israel's recent attacks on Iran, describing them as acts of "banditry" [1].

In response to the escalating conflict, Erdoğan has announced plans to step up Turkey's production of medium- and long-range missiles, signaling a potential new arms race in the region. This move comes as Turkey seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities and ensure deterrence against potential threats [2].

The U.S. travel warning is a precautionary measure, given the volatile nature of the situation and the potential for the conflict to spread. The warning advises U.S. citizens to stay informed about local conditions and to follow the instructions of local authorities. It also encourages travelers to register with the U.S. Embassy in Ankara through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates and assistance if needed.

The U.S. and Turkey maintain close ties, with Turkey being a NATO ally. However, the conflict between Israel and Iran has strained relations between the two countries, with Turkey defending Iran's right to self-defense and criticizing Israel's expansionist policies. Despite these tensions, the U.S. and Turkey have not seen an immediate threat of the conflict spreading into Turkey, but the travel warning reflects the U.S. government's cautious approach to the evolving situation.

References:
[1] https://www.dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/turkiye-warns-us-attack-on-iran-could-trigger-security-risks
[2] https://www.wfmz.com/business/erdogan-vows-to-boost-turkeys-missile-production-as-israel-iran-war-escalates/article_2f1a3982-a636-5930-bf7a-a58071ef7a60.html