U.S. Embassies Urge Citizens in the Middle East to ‘Be Prepared to Depart’ Amid ‘Fluid’ Situation with Iran

Alex Brandon/AP Photo

U.S. embassies in the Middle East issued simultaneous warnings Saturday for citizens to “be prepared to depart” the region, citing the “unpredictable” Iranian regime.

The warning comes as CBS News reported the United States and Israel are preparing for a new round of strikes against energy infrastructure in Iran.

Word of a possible new round of strikes comes as President Donald Trump is facing pressure at home over the war, with critics fearing the conflict has become an unwinnable quagmire.

Read the embassy warning:

Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.

Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions.

Some airlines in the region have postponed resumption of earlier flight schedules; others have cancelled some routes. Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation.

Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations.

U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.

The situation in the Middle East remains fluid. 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). Americans should remain vigilant, as merely because U.S. interests or businesses have not been attacked in a country in the past does not ensure their safety.

The caution comes as officials in Kuwait said the country intercepted Iranian drones this morning which targeted “vital” sites.

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