US embassies across the Middle East have warned American citizens to consider departing the region or be ready to leave if the conflict with Iran escalates unpredictably, according to advisories published by diplomatic missions in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad.
The embassies urged citizens to monitor available flights, follow local authority guidance and prepare for possible disruptions including route cancellations, temporary airspace closures and travel difficulties.
In Jordan, Americans were told to avoid US military installations, which have recently been targeted by Iranian missile attacks. In Israel, the embassy advised citizens to locate the nearest shelter in advance, describing the Iranian regime as unpredictable and saying its attacks have expanded to areas not previously struck.
Concern deepened after a drone struck an American-owned gas transport vessel anchored in an Egyptian port on Wednesday, causing a fire. Egyptian authorities opened an investigation but had not attributed responsibility to any party.
The Iranian military accused the United States of choosing escalation and warned that any country acting as a defensive shield for Washington could become directly involved in the conflict. Exchanges of fire between Iran and the US resumed this week after a pause of several days.
