The US Embassy in Jordan has urged American citizens to consider leaving the Middle East if regional tensions escalate, according to an advisory issued by the mission.
Security alerts were issued by US embassies in Jordan, Iraq, and Israel, as well as the US Consulate General in Erbil, northern Iraq. US missions in Amman, Jerusalem, Muscat, Baghdad, and Beirut also posted security alerts on social media.
The US Embassy in Jordan advised Americans to avoid travel to military bases in Jordan. The mission also stated that Americans in the Middle East should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions.
“Seriously reconsider travel to and through the region,”
The embassy warned that the situation in the Middle East is “fluid” and stated that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas.”
Regional security incidents and military updates
In Israel, Americans were urged to seek the location of the nearest bomb shelter. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Beirut said its mission remains on 'ordered departure status,' meaning non-emergency US government personnel are being relocated outside of Lebanon.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem stated that the Iranian regime is unpredictable, noting its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or provocation and to expand attacks to areas not previously targeted, such as Egypt.
A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, with no casualties reported. In Kuwait, Iranian drones targeting a government facility and civilian vehicles were intercepted on Saturday.
In Egypt, a drone struck a US-owned gas vessel moored in an Egyptian port on Wednesday, causing a fire. Egypt is investigating the strike but has not accused any group of the attack.
Political tensions and conflict context
The Middle East war began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. US military bases in Jordan have come under Iranian missile attack.
CBS News reported, citing officials, that Washington is planning new strikes on Iran this weekend.
Iran's military accused Washington of 'escalating tensions' in the region. The military warned that any country serving as a defensive shield for America will be 'engulfed by the flames of war.'
