Officials confirmed that all immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments scheduled during this period have been cancelled. According to the embassy, affected visa applicants will receive further instructions via email regarding the rescheduling of their appointments.
In a message shared on X, the embassy said, “All immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments are cancelled through March 20. Affected visa applicants will receive instructions by email on rescheduling their appointments.”
While visa processing has been paused, the embassy clarified that routine and emergency services for US citizens will continue. Authorities also confirmed that consular services at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore remain suspended during this period.
The decision comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The conflict has entered its second week and has already caused heavy casualties.
Reports indicate that more than 2,000 people have been killed, mostly in Iran, following joint strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
In Lebanon, Israeli attacks have also intensified, particularly in central Beirut and parts of southern Lebanon. Nearly 700 people have reportedly been killed in Israeli strikes there. Meanwhile, the Israeli military warned residents in two areas of Tehran, Villa and Moniriyeh, to evacuate.
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In a statement posted on X, the Israeli army said, “In the coming hours, the IDF will operate in these areas, as it has in recent days across Iran, to strike military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime. Dear citizens, for your safety and well-being, we ask that you immediately evacuate the marked area.”
Earlier, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, also made strong remarks regarding the situation.
In his first public comments, he vowed that Iran would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned neighboring countries against allowing US military bases on their territory.
He also said, “I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs.”
According to Iranian officials, Khamenei was slightly injured during earlier strikes.
Leaders of Iran, Israel, and the United States have all shown strong determination to continue the conflict as tensions grow in the Middle East. The war has already disrupted the lives of millions of people and has also created instability in global financial and energy markets.
