Donald Trump's latest threat to launch strikes against Iran has prompted a fresh US travel advisory covering 10 countries in the Middle East, warning American citizens to be ready to evacuate if the situation escalates.
The State Department advisory applies to the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Egypt.
It calls on Americans in the region to "exercise heightened vigilance" and "be prepared to depart should there be escalation," while also warning of "flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions."
Iran described as unpredictable
The advisory says the "Iranian regime is unpredictable, as seen by its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or to expand attacks to areas not previously targeted (such as Egypt)."
Posting on X, the alert advised Americans in the region to consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation. It also urged those outside the Middle East to "seriously reconsider travel to and through the region."
The alert noted that some airlines in the region had postponed resumption of earlier flight schedules while others had cancelled routes, and that US diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, had been targeted. It added that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas.
Iranian general's warning
Major General Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's wartime military command, responded by saying: "The United States is moving at an accelerating pace to fan the flames of a full-scale regional war."
He continued: "It is hereby stated explicitly: Muslim countries must, with foresight, monitor America's crimes and reconsider their cooperation and alignment with the US. Otherwise, any country that makes itself a defensive shield for criminal, aggressor America will burn in the fire of war."
