US Department of State Issues Unprecedented Warning to Citizens in the Middle East
The US Department of State issued an unprecedented warning on Monday, urging its citizens present in over a dozen Middle Eastern countries to leave the region immediately due to serious security risks, as reported by Reuters.
Escalation of Conflict
In the face of a dramatic escalation of the conflict following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliatory measures, the US government has heightened its security advisories and urged American citizens to use all available commercial means to depart immediately.
Affected Countries
The warning covers an extensive list of Middle Eastern countries, including:
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Gaza
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
Statement from the US Department of State
Mora Namdar, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, emphasized that this recommendation is justified by "serious security risks," reminding Americans that "commercial transportation options could become limited."
Activation of Crisis Response Cell
Meanwhile, the Department of State has activated an inter-agency crisis cell to coordinate the US government's response to this complex situation.
President Trump's Statement
US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the conflict was initially expected to last "4 to 5 weeks," while warning that it could ultimately extend beyond this deadline.
