- US advises citizens to consider leaving West Asian countries.
- Renewed exchanges, Trump warns strikes, Iran accuses US.
- Maritime incident reported near critical Strait of Hormuz.
The United States has advised its citizens in several West Asian countries to consider leaving the region amid fears of a further escalation in the conflict with Iran.
Security alerts issued by US embassies in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad urged Americans to remain vigilant and prepare for possible travel disruptions as hostilities continue.
US Embassies Issue Security Alert
The security alert advised American citizens in the region to “consider departing” or be prepared to leave if the situation deteriorates further.
“Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation,” the advisory said.
The embassies also urged US citizens to monitor flight schedules and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.
“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” the alert added.
The advisory comes as the United States and Iran resumed overnight exchanges of fire this week after a brief pause in fighting.
Trump Warns Of More Strikes On Iran
US President Donald Trump warned that further military action against Iran remains a possibility.
Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Cabinet members at Camp David on Friday, Trump said, “we just want to win.”
He also indicated that US military operations could continue, saying Washington would hit Iran “very hard.”
The remarks came even as concerns remain over the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Accuses US Of Escalating Conflict
Iran’s military accused the United States of escalating tensions in West Asia and warned regional countries against cooperating with Washington.
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“The United States is rapidly moving down the path of escalating tensions in the region,” Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s military central command, said.
“Any country serving as defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war,” Abdollahi added.
Reports Of Maritime Incidents Near Strait Of Hormuz
Following the latest developments, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a second report of an incident 21 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s Khasab.
According to UKMTO, the master of a tanker reported seeing a large splash and an explosion in close proximity to the vessel.
Both Lima and Khasab are located at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthi Blockade Forces Saudi Ships To Reroute
While traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have announced a blockade in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, another key global shipping route.
According to AP, the Houthis recently forced eight Saudi ships to reroute away from the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the vessels diverted around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa to avoid the blockade.
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