US warns Americans in the Middle East to be prepared to leave

American embassies in several Middle Eastern capitals have issued a security notice urging US citizens to consider leaving the region or to be ready to depart if tensions worsen.

The advisory was published by the US missions in Cairo, Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad and warns that Americans in the area should review their travel options and monitor local authorities' guidance.

In the notice the missions said: "Americans currently in the Middle East should be cautious, increase their vigilance and be prepared for flight cancellations, intermittent airspace closures and possible travel disruptions." The advisory also recommends that US nationals check available flights and follow local safety instructions.

Specific guidance singled out Jordan and Israel: Americans in Jordan were told to avoid visiting US military bases that were recently targeted by an Iranian missile strike, while those in Israel were advised to check the location of the nearest nuclear shelter. The US Embassy in Jerusalem described the Iranian regime as "unpredictable."

Recent incidents and rising exchanges

The warning follows renewed exchanges of fire this week between Iran and the United States after a brief lull. On Wednesday a drone struck a US gas ship moored in an Egyptian port, causing a fire; Egyptian investigators have not yet determined who was responsible. Iran's military has accused Washington of raising tensions and warned that countries it described as serving as a US "defensive shield" could be drawn into the fighting.

The broader conflict on the Middle East began on 28 February, when US and Israeli strikes hit targets in Iran and Tehran responded with rocket and drone attacks across the region. The embassies' advisory urges US citizens to stay alert, review evacuation options and be prepared for disruptions should the security situation escalate.

Photo: Wikipedia / NUCT UNIVERSITY / WITH CFI