US-Iran Tensions Reach Peak, Washington Asks Citizens in the Middle East to Prepare for Evacuation

The flag of the United States (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The United States (US) government has issued a security warning to all its citizens in the Middle East region to increase vigilance and be prepared to leave the region if the security situation worsens.

The warning comes amid reports in a number of US media outlets that President (US) Donald Trump is considering a new large-scale military attack on Iran, which could be carried out this weekend.

In its official warning, the US State Department stated that American diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East region, could be targets of attacks.

"US diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supporting Iran may target other US interests abroad or in locations associated with the US and Americans around the world," the US State Department warning said, quoted by the BBC, Sunday, August 2.

The US government also reminded its citizens in the Middle East to anticipate possible disruptions to travel due to the deteriorating security situation.

"Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and increase vigilance and be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions," the warning released on Saturday local time said.

The US State Department emphasized that Americans in the Middle East should consider leaving, or be prepared to leave if there is an escalation. In addition, Americans outside the Middle East are also asked to reconsider travel plans to or through the region.

Similar warnings were also published by the US Embassy in a number of Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All diplomatic representatives warned of the potential for unexpected escalation in the region.

Meanwhile, the Iranian government previously accused Washington of continuing to increase tensions in the region. Tehran warned countries in the Middle East that cooperating with the US would face serious consequences.

Iran said any country in the region that cooperates or helps Washington will be burned by the fire of war.