US warns citizens to avoid Middle East as attacks on Iran continue

The US gave a travel warning on Monday, telling its citizens not to go to the Middle East. Those already in the area should “exercise increased caution.”

The US and Iran have been fighting over the Strait of Hormuz. They exchanged strikes for the 10th night in a row on Monday. Explosions were heard across the region, especially in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, which have faced Iranian retaliatory attacks.

Tension in the area is rising. Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen have threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb, another important oil route at the Red Sea. They also plan to impose a blockade on Saudi Arabia.

The Iranian-backed rebel group may open a new front in the war, which could shake up the global oil market even more.

The State Department shared its advisory on its website. It described the security situation in the Gulf as complicated and warned of possible unexpected escalations.

“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance. They should be ready for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions.

“Americans outside the Middle East should reconsider travel to and through the region,” it said.

The State Department added that “US diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have been targeted.”

“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at places linked to the United States and Americans worldwide,” it stated.

Earlier, the US embassy in Jordan said that Jordanian authorities evacuated the country’s international airport and seaport in Aqaba, northeast of the Red Sea. This was done after a “specific and credible threat.”

But the Jordanian authorities disagreed with the US claim. The Minister of Communication, Mohammad al-Momani, said security agencies found no potential threats.

He also assured that the airport and port are working normally.