Dubai: In a clear signal of the possibility in escalation of conflict with Iran, embassies of the United States in several countries in West Asia have urged American citizens to “consider departing” the region.
“Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation,” said a security alert posted on social media by US missions in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad.
American nationals in the region were advised to check flight details and follow safety advice by local authorities, AFP reported.
“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,” the alert spelt out.
After a brief halt in fighting, the US and Iran resumed overnight exchanges of fire this week.
US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened more strikes on Iran.
“We just want to win,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with his cabinet members at Camp David, Associated Press reported.
He signalled that the US military action in the region could continue for some time, saying – not for the first time — Washington would hit Iran “very hard”.
Iran, meanwhile, accused US of escalating tensions in West Asia, and warned countries in the region not to cooperate with Washington.
“The United States is rapidly moving down the path of escalating tensions in the region. Any country serving as defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war,” Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s military central command, said in a statement.
Tensions continued in the Strait of Hormuz as attacks on commercial ships were renewed.
Indian seafarers continue to be caught in the crossfire, as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday it had received reports of two tanker incidents off Oman recently.
Iranian drones hit “a number of vital facilities,” including a government structure in north Kuwait as its military said on Saturday its forces were responding.
In a statement, Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said there were no casualties reported in the strikes.