US Issues Security Warning to Citizens in Israel, Jordan, and Iraq

Three US missions in the Middle East published security warnings today, Saturday, against the backdrop of regional tensions and fears of an "unforeseen escalation." The US embassies in Jerusalem, Amman, and Baghdad, along with the US consulate in Erbil, called on American citizens to exercise increased vigilance and to prepare for flight cancellations, temporary closures of airspace, and travel disruptions.

The notices stated that several airlines in the region have delayed their return to previous flight schedules, and others have cancelled certain routes. American citizens staying in the Middle East were asked to consider leaving the region, or to be prepared to do so in the event of an escalation. The embassy in Amman even called on Americans located outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travel to or through the region.

The warning published in Jordan was the sharpest and most detailed of the three. The embassy noted that US diplomatic facilities have already been attacked and warned that Iran and its proxies could harm additional American interests around the world, including businesses and institutions identified with the US.

"Iran is unpredictable and may attack without warning," the notice stated.

The embassy further claimed that the Iranian regime has proven its unpredictability through recent decisions to attack areas in the Middle East without warning and to expand strikes to locations that had not been targeted in the past, including Egypt. The embassy in Amman recommended that American citizens avoid traveling to military bases in Jordan and reminded that Iran has also targeted civilian and vital infrastructure in the region, including hotels and airports. Americans in Jordan were asked to stay away from demonstrations, large gatherings, and areas with a heavy police presence, to follow the instructions of local authorities, and to exercise caution in places publicly identified with the US.