Middle East tensions: Travel plans face fresh risks as Iran conflict persists

International SOS on Saturday urged travellers to review their plans and closely monitor developments across the Middle East as regional tensions remain volatile despite an overall reduction in hostilities.

In its advisory updated on September 12, the medical and security services provider said US-Iran tensions remained elevated, with no tangible progress towards bringing the two sides back to the negotiating table. It also flagged risks to regional airspace, flights and maritime activity.

The advisory covers Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, the UAE, Yemen and Oman.

Travel cautioned after Saudi oil infrastructure targeted

The advisory comes after Saudi Arabia suspended its East-West oil pipelines on September 11 as a precautionary measure after energy infrastructure in Medina and Riyadh provinces was reportedly targeted in an aerial attack originating from Iraq.

The alert also cited reports that Yemen's Houthis had seized key coastal areas along the country's Red Sea coast on September 10-11, strengthening their position near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key maritime chokepoint.

The developments add to concerns over energy supplies and shipping routes in a region already facing heightened security risks.

Travel advice varies across region

International SOS said normal travel to Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the UAE could proceed, while advising travellers to avoid areas at heightened risk of aerial attacks, particularly military installations hosting US personnel where possible.

It said essential travel to Iraq and parts of Syria, including Damascus, could proceed only with a comprehensive, profile-specific risk assessment and professional security, logistical and medical support.

The organisation advised travellers to defer all non-essential travel to Israel and the West Bank and all travel to the Gaza Strip.

It also advised against all inbound travel to Iran until further notice and said foreign nationals and business travellers currently in the country should leave through commercially available options.

Travel to Lebanon should also be deferred until further notice because of continued violations of the ceasefire between Israel and Hizbullah and the risk of renewed Israeli air campaigns and ground operations, the advisory said.

Airspace, shipping disruption risks persist

International SOS said US Central Command and Iran had exchanged strikes in recent days, followed by retaliatory attacks targeting mainly military facilities.

It said Iran had launched multiple missiles targeting US positions in Jordan, while Jordanian authorities said most of the projectiles had been intercepted without casualties or damage.

The advisory also flagged continued maritime security incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. International SOS said the risks could lead to further disruption to maritime activity and regional supply chains.

Commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, along with Saudi-linked shipping operating in the Red Sea, remain potential targets for Iran and allied groups, it said.

Hormuz remains a key flashpoint

Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council countries were expected to meet in Oman on September 14 to discuss an interim solution for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran and Oman had agreed in late August on a temporary route for ships through the strait, but movement remains restricted amid wider US-Iran tensions. Iran has maintained that the waterway will not be fully reopened until the US fulfils commitments under a June memorandum of understanding, according to the advisory.

International SOS said the broader outlook remained uncertain, with unresolved issues continuing to raise the risk of further confrontations.

It advised travellers to maintain flexible itineraries, be prepared to postpone travel at short notice and follow official instructions, including shelter-in-place orders, if aerial attacks occur.