Message for American Citizens - Worldwide Travel Alert - Iran Plot (October 13, 2011)

October 13, 2011

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the
potential for anti-U.S. actions following the disruption of a
plot, linked to Iran, to commit a significant terrorist act in
the United States.  This Travel Alert expires on January 11,
2012.

An Iranian-born U.S. citizen, working on behalf of the
Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force -
designated by the Treasury Department in 2007 for its support
of terrorism - is suspected of conspiring to assassinate the
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States.  The U.S.
government assesses that this Iranian-backed plan to
assassinate the Saudi Ambassador may indicate a more
aggressive focus by the Iranian Government on terrorist
activity against diplomats from certain countries, to include
possible attacks in the United States.

U.S. citizens residing and traveling abroad should review
the Department's Worldwide Caution and other travel
information when making decisions concerning their travel
plans and activities while abroad.  U.S. citizens are
encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP).  U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll
directly at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.  By
enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the
embassy/consulates to contact them in case of emergency.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and
Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada,
on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular
Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings
and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.  Follow us
on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook
as well.