Khaberni - The United States, on Friday, warned its citizens in the Middle East of a "still complex security environment" amid escalating tensions and the possibility of "unexpected" developments in the conflict with Iran, urging them to consider leaving or being ready to leave in the event of any escalation.
The US Embassy, in a security alert, stated, "Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution, raise their vigilance, and prepare for the potential cancellation of flights or intermittent closure of airspace, or possible disruptions in travel movement."
It added that "some airlines in the region have postponed resuming their previous flight schedules, while other companies have canceled some routes," urging Americans in the region to consider leaving or being ready to leave in the event of any escalation.
The US also urged Americans outside the Middle East to "seriously reconsider traveling to or through the region," and urged those deciding to travel from or to the region to follow information relating to airport operations and airline companies.
"Warning of targeting American interests"
It stated that American diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have been targeted, warning that Iran and groups supporting it might target other American interests abroad or sites associated with the United States and Americans around the world, including companies and institutions.
It added that "the situation in the Middle East remains volatile," considering that "the Iranian regime's actions are unpredictable," in light of what it described as its recent decisions "to attack areas in the region without warning or provocation, and to expand the scope of attacks to previously untargeted areas, such as Egypt."
The embassy stressed the need for Americans to remain vigilant, noting that the lack of attacks on American interests or companies in a given country during the past period does not guarantee their safety.
The US Embassy remains open to provide routine services to American citizens and visa services.
Earlier on Saturday, the Kuwaiti Army's General Staff stated that "air defenses had countered attacks by hostile drones following the heinous Iranian aggression."
Tehran threatens to expand attacks
In context, a high-ranking Iranian security official said that Tehran has prepared a broad plan to respond to any potential attacks from the United States and Israel on its infrastructure, "including targeting vital infrastructure of Israel and American energy facilities in the region," noting that Iran is "fully prepared" to implement this plan.
Iran's "Tasnim" agency quoted the official saying that what has been circulated in the American media about potential attacks from the United States and Israel on Iranian infrastructure is "a kind of madness," according to his expression.
The official considered that the Iranian armed forces have proven, whether during the war that lasted 40 days or in recent developments, that they "possess the ability to carry out such operations, as well as the will to do so."
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said on Friday that the continuation of what he described as "the naval blockade" and "igniting fires" by the United States would make "locking the Strait of Hormuz tighter," and could also lead to the closure of other straits and passages.
Zolghadr added that the consequences would be borne by "the global economy, energy markets, and American voters," according to his expression.
Imminent American attack
Following statements by Iranian officials, American officials stated that President Donald Trump had ordered a new attack on Iran that may start over the weekend and last a few days, while other officials indicated that the United States and Israel are planning a widespread bombing campaign against targets linked to the energy infrastructure, including power stations and oil refineries in Iran.
The "Wall Street Journal" quoted American officials, saying Trump had been telling his aides, behind closed doors, that the Iranians are "crazy" and complained to those close to him that the temporary peace deal was "meaningless" and that he had always realized it would not succeed.
Among the options available to Trump is a proposed campaign of intensive air strikes lasting two weeks, aimed at reducing Iranian missile capabilities. However, a possible risk identified by Trump's military advisers is the depleting stockpile of ammunitions, according to "Wall Street Journal."
Trump said in a televised government meeting at Camp David on Friday that the United States intends to resume intensive military strikes to force the Iranian regime back to the negotiating table. He added: "We will hit them very hard... and at some point, they will say: We can no longer bear it."
