US urges its citizens in Middle East to be ready to leave in case of escalation
The US government has issued a security alert urging American citizens in the Middle East to prepare for potential departure due to the risk of regional escalation. This follows reports of potential US military strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure.
Why it matters
Heightened tensions between the US and Iran pose significant risks to regional stability and the safety of international personnel in the Middle East.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jaroslav Lukiv Getty Images US embassies across the Middle East - including the mission in Iraq - reposted the security alert for American nationals, warning of "unexpected escalation" The US government has urged Americans across the Middle East to be alert and ready to leave "should there be escalation" in the region.
It comes amid US media reports that President Donald Trump may be planning new, intense strikes on Iran over the weekend.
In its alert, the State Department said: "US diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted.
"Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world."
Tehran earlier accused the US of escalating tensions, saying any regional state co-operating with Washington would be "engulfed by the flames of war".
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