US embassies urge citizens to consider departing Middle East amid conflict fears

United States embassies in several Middle Eastern capitals issued security alerts on Saturday, advising their citizens to be aware of "unforeseen escalation" in the regional conflict and urging them to prepare for departure. The warnings were posted online by U.S. embassies in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“

Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation.

These alerts come just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose severe consequences on Iran. The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in a war since February 28. A period of calm following a ceasefire collapsed, leading to a resurgence of strikes with no apparent end in sight. The ongoing conflict has disrupted lives across the Middle East and impacted global energy markets for months.

The security messages advised Americans in the region to "consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation." Citizens were instructed to check flight details and adhere to safety advice from local authorities. The alerts also warned of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Specifically, U.S. citizens in Jordan were cautioned against visiting military bases, which have recently been targeted by Iranian missile attacks, while those in Israel were advised to locate the nearest bomb shelter.

“

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).

Iran's military responded by accusing Washington of "escalating tensions." Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's military central command, stated in a televised address that "any country serving as defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war." Mohammad Mokhber, an advisor to Iran's supreme leader, also issued a warning against any attacks on Iranian infrastructure, emphasizing that while the U.S. calculates through military equations, Iran's response would be different.

“

Any country serving as defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war.