US Urges Citizens to Leave Middle East; Israel Denies Plans to Resume Military Operations
The US has issued security warnings for its citizens across the Middle East to prepare for potential escalation. Meanwhile, an official Israeli source stated that Israel is not aware of any decision to resume full-scale military operations against Iran.
Following reports that the US and Israel were planning a significant bombing operation in Iran, CBS reported Saturday evening, citing an official Israeli source, that "Israel is not aware of a decision to resume the military operation in full, nor has a request been received in Israel to join military actions against Iran." The source spoke anonymously, while Israel maintains official silence.
Against the backdrop of internal criticism of US President Donald Trump, Israel is avoiding being perceived as a warmonger and is awaiting a decision from the White House. While the American president appears to be losing patience, analysts question his willingness to engage in a broad campaign months before midterm elections, especially given rising fuel prices.
Security Warnings
American embassies across the region—including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Israel—have issued security warnings, urging citizens to leave or be prepared to depart immediately.
The US State Department also issued a general warning: "Americans should consider departing the region or be prepared to depart in the event of an escalation. Iran and groups supporting it may target American interests overseas or in places associated with the US and Americans around the world."
Tehran's Threats
Professor Mohammad Marandi, a senior Iranian official, issued sharp threats against regional countries: "If attacks are carried out against Iran's civilian infrastructure, the vital infrastructure of the regimes participating in this—along with the infrastructure of the Zionist regime and perhaps Jordan—will be destroyed."
Meanwhile, the Iranian news agency "Fars" shared a video touring the petrochemical plant in Asaluyeh, which was previously attacked. The report emphasized the site's strategic importance, noting that disabling it causes irreversible economic damage.
Strait of Hormuz Incidents
According to recent reports, Trump has given the "green light" to resume attacks, though they have not yet occurred. Tehran is attempting to deter the US through threats and provocations. This morning, there were reports of two incidents involving ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the Kuwaiti army reported an Iranian drone attack targeting "vital facilities." No casualties were reported, though damage was caused to equipment belonging to a private company on Bubiyan Island.
