The U.S. State Department has issued a “worldwide caution” alert, warning American citizens of heightened security risks amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the conflict between Israel and Iran.
In its advisory on Sunday, the State Department urged U.S. nationals traveling or residing abroad to exercise increased caution, citing the potential for anti-American demonstrations and disruptions in international travel.
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” the alert stated. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.
The advisory comes in the wake of reported U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — action that Tehran has vowed to respond to. Iranian officials warned that American bases across the region could be targeted, and that any country facilitating U.S. strikes would also be considered a legitimate target.
“Any country in the region or elsewhere that is used by American forces to strike Iran will be considered a legitimate target,” said Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to state media outlet IRNA.
Despite the rising tensions, the State Department’s alert made no direct reference to the U.S. airstrikes. However, officials confirmed that evacuation flights for American citizens and permanent residents began over the weekend from Israel and the West Bank, amid growing safety concerns.
