The United States has imposed travel restrictions on its embassy personnel in Israel, citing fears of an imminent attack by Iran. The US embassy in Jerusalem instructed staff to avoid travel outside the greater Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Beersheba areas 'out of an abundance of caution,' according to a statement.
Two US officials told CBS News that an Iranian attack could occur as soon as Friday, potentially involving more than 100 drones, dozens of cruise missiles, and possibly ballistic missiles aimed at military targets in Israel. The move follows Iran's vow to retaliate for a strike on its consulate in Damascus on 1 April, which killed 13 people, including a senior commander of Iran's Quds Force. Israel has not claimed responsibility but is widely believed to have carried out the attack.
US President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday that Iran was threatening a 'significant attack' and pledged 'ironclad' support to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his government was 'prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively.' The commander of US Central Command, Erik Kurilla, has travelled to Israel for talks, with the Pentagon confirming his visit was brought forward due to recent developments.
UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron urged Iran not to escalate the conflict, stating he was 'deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence.' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with counterparts from China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, arguing that further escalation was not in anyone's interest. China called on the US to play 'a constructive role' in the Middle East while condemning the consulate strike.
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Israel, noting the government had raised the 'possibility of an attack on Israeli territory from Iran.' France warned its citizens to avoid travel to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian territories, and evacuated family members of French diplomats in Iran. German airline Lufthansa extended a suspension of flights to Tehran until Saturday.
