Though similar orders have been sent to diplomatic posts in the Middle East over the past weeks, Tuesday’s order appeared to mark the first time that all posts globally had been ordered to review their security because of the Iran war. It is not clear whether new active warnings or intelligence on potential attacks prompted the State Department to expand the orders for EACs to all posts worldwide. U.S. diplomatic posts should share any credible threat information with U.S. citizens, because of the State Department’s “no double standards” policy, the cable noted. It noted that, in some instances, groups of armed men have come to people’s homes seeking information about U.S. citizens. No injuries were reported, but the cable noted that the incident underscored the importance of seeking shelter when alarms sound.

Source: Washington Post March 18, 2026 20:07 UTC