Key Takeaways
- US embassies in several Middle Eastern capitals issued warnings.
- Advice includes checking flight details and being prepared for travel disruptions.
- Iran has accused the US of escalating tensions, while both sides have resumed overnight exchanges of fire.
The United States has advised its citizens to consider leaving the Middle East due to an 'unforeseen escalation' in regional conflict. This warning was issued through security alerts posted on social media by US missions in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Amman urged Americans currently in Jordan not to visit military bases that have recently been under Iranian missile attacks. Similarly, the US Embassy in Israel advised citizens to seek the location of the nearest bomb shelter.
The warnings come after a drone strike on a US-owned gas vessel moored in an Egyptian port caused a fire this week. Egypt is investigating but has not yet accused any group of launching the attack.
Iran’s military has accused Washington of 'escalating tensions' and warned that any country serving as a defensive shield for the United States will face war consequences. This follows days of fighting, with both sides resuming overnight exchanges of fire this week after a lull in combat.
The conflict began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, which has since retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the region.
The US embassies have also advised citizens to be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions. They urged Americans in the Middle East to exercise caution and heightened vigilance.
In a post on its Jerusalem site, the US Embassy warned that 'the Iranian regime is unpredictable,' citing recent attacks without warning or provocations, including those targeting areas not previously targeted such as Egypt.
