The United States has urged its citizens in the Middle East to exercise heightened caution and consider leaving the region amid tensions involving Iran, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
In a statement posted Saturday, the State Department’s Consular Affairs bureau said Americans in the region should remain vigilant and be prepared to depart if the situation deteriorates.
It said some airlines had delayed the resumption of previously suspended services, while others had cancelled routes.
The department also advised Americans outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travelling to or through the region and urged those who do travel to monitor airport and airline operations.
The warning noted that US diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, had been targeted. It added that Iran and groups aligned with it could target US interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and its citizens, including businesses and other institutions.
