US embassies alert citizens to potential flight cancellations as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran, urging immediate departure if necessary.
Several US embassies in the Middle East have warned Americans to be vigilant and prepared for flight cancellations as tensions rise between Washington and Tehran, reported CNBC News / Reuters. Officials say the region is on high alert for possible military action in the coming days.
Embassies in Iraq, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates urged US citizens to consider leaving immediately or be ready to depart if fighting escalates. A senior Gulf official and a foreign diplomat said Gulf states had been briefed on potential US-Israeli attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure.
The warnings followed reports of tankers near Oman being struck or seeing explosions. Iran has threatened to tighten control over key maritime passages if attacked, while Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted hostile drones.
Media reports suggest US President Donald Trump is preparing fresh strikes against Iran this weekend. The Wall Street Journal cited officials saying Trump ordered the military to launch attacks but could call them off if diplomacy advances.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned regional counterparts that any aggression would be met with a decisive response. An Iranian security official said US actions could shut down the Strait of Hormuz and other chokepoints, raising costs for the global economy.
Recent clashes have already widened the conflict. Iran attacked US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain after American strikes on Revolutionary Guard targets. Egypt reported a drone hit two ships at Damietta port, marking the first attack on its soil since the war began.
Oil markets reacted to the tensions. West Texas Intermediate futures rose more than 1 percent to US$84.67 a barrel, while Brent crude gained to US$90.12. Prices fell earlier in the week on hopes of de-escalation but remain volatile amid fears of wider conflict.
