'Be prepared to depart': US embassies in Middle East warn citizens to beware an 'unforeseen escalation'
'Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation,' said the alerts put out by the US embassies in the Middle East
US embassies across the Middle East have issued urgent travel advisories for American citizens, recommending they consider departing the region due to escalating tensions with Iran. The advisories cite a complex and unpredictable security environment with the potential for unforeseen escalation, warning of significant travel disruptions including flight cancellations and airspace closures.
US embassies across the Middle East have issued urgent travel advisories for American citizens, recommending they consider departing the region due to escalating tensions with Iran. The advisories cite a complex and unpredictable security environment with the potential for unforeseen escalation, warning of significant travel disruptions including flight cancellations and airspace closures.
US embassies across the Middle East have issued urgent travel advisories for American citizens, recommending they consider departing the region due to escalating tensions with Iran. The advisories cite a complex and unpredictable security environment with the potential for unforeseen escalation, warning of significant travel disruptions including flight cancellations and airspace closures.
The US embassies in at least 10 Middle East countries, including the Gulf nations and Israel, on Saturday warned American citizens to exercise caution and "consider departing" as the tensions with Iran escalate.
"Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation," said the alerts put out by the embassies.
"Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation," the message read.
The advisory urged American citizens to check flight details and follow safety advice from local authorities. It added that they should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and potential travel disruptions.
The US citizens in Israel were asked to find the nearest bomb shelter in case of emergency. "The Iranian regime is unpredictable, as seen by its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or provocations as well as to expand attacks to areas not previously targeted (such as Egypt)," said a post on the US Embassy Jerusalem site.
This comes as a drone attack targeted a US-owned gas vessel at an Egyptian port, resulting in blaze
Those in Jordan were advised not to visit the US military bases in the kingdom.
The US embassy in Beirut said the mission remained on "ordered departure status", which means non-emergency US government personnel have left Lebanon.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump threatened more strikes on Iran as the United States presses for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with the aim of forcing Tehran's surrender, reported The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials. The bombing campaign was expected to last several days, according to the report.