The United States Embassy in Nigeria has suspended all visa appointments in Abuja, warning of possible unrest linked to the escalating military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
In a security advisory published on its official website, the embassy said the precautionary move followed intelligence indicating a strong likelihood of street protests in the Federal Capital Territory.
American nationals residing in the city were urged to remain indoors as a safety measure.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have cancelled scheduled visa interviews and are advising U.S. citizens to limit movement,” the embassy stated.
“Past demonstrations have deteriorated quickly, and personal security remains a priority.”
Diplomatic sources said the decision reflects growing anxiety over the widening fallout from the United States–Iran conflict, which has intensified in recent days.
Previous protests in Abuja, they noted, have occasionally led to confrontations with security personnel.
US-Iran conflict escalates
Tensions surged after joint American and Israeli air operations reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside other senior officials. The strikes marked a dramatic escalation in hostilities and triggered immediate retaliation from Tehran.
Iran subsequently launched missile attacks targeting U.S. military installations across parts of the Gulf region, including facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Iranian authorities vowed to avenge what they described as an act of aggression against their leadership.
The crisis, now entering its fifth day, has shown no indication of de-escalation.
Trump rules out talks
President Donald Trump signalled a hardening U.S. stance, declaring that negotiations with Iran were no longer an option despite earlier suggestions that diplomacy remained possible.
“They had their opportunity,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “At this point, our focus is on ensuring our security interests are protected.”
In a separate social media post, the president asserted that Iran’s military infrastructure had suffered severe damage, describing the impact of the coordinated strikes as extensive.
He also suggested that Tehran had been preparing its own offensive, arguing that pre-emptive action was necessary.
However, Iran dismissed prospects for dialogue. A senior aide to the late supreme leader said trust between the two nations had collapsed.
“There is no foundation for talks under these circumstances,” the official said. “We are prepared to sustain our position for as long as required.”
State funeral announced
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have announced a three-day state funeral for Khamenei. According to the official news agency IRNA, mourners will be allowed to pay their respects at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque before burial in Mashhad.
The late cleric, who was 86, had led the Islamic Republic for decades and remained one of the most influential figures in Iran’s political and religious hierarchy.
As diplomatic tensions ripple beyond the Middle East, the temporary shutdown of U.S. visa services in Abuja underscores the global reach of the unfolding crisis.