AMMAN, Jordan: US embassies in several Middle Eastern capitals warned American citizens to beware of an “unforeseen escalation” in the regional conflict and urged them to be ready to leave.
“Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation,” said a security alert, versions of which were posted on social media by the US missions in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad.
The messages urged citizens to check flight details and to follow safety advice from local authorities.
“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” it said.
It also advised Americans outside the Middle East to “seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.”
The embassy warned that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas” and described the situation in the Middle East as “fluid.”
Americans in Jordan were told not to visit US military bases there, which have recently come under Iranian missile attack, and in Israel they were urged to seek the location of the nearest bomb shelter.
“US Embassy Amman advises all Americans to avoid travel to military bases in Jordan,” it added.
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Amman – August 1, 2026
Event: Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.
Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened… pic.twitter.com/LheYwCCbVY
— U.S. Embassy Amman (@USEmbassyJordan) August 1, 2026
“The Iranian regime is unpredictable, as seen by its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or provocations as well as to expand attacks to areas not previously targeted (such as Egypt),” said a post on the US Embassy Jerusalem site.
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem – August 1, 2026
Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.
Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance… pic.twitter.com/lTAMRS9yKv
— U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (@usembassyjlm) August 1, 2026
US, Iran tensions
On Wednesday, a drone struck a US-owned gas vessel moored in an Egyptian port, causing a fire. Egypt is investigating but has not yet accused any group of launching the attack.
Iran’s military, meanwhile, has accused Washington of “escalating tensions” in the region, and warned: “Any country serving as defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war.”
The warning came amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, as CBS News reported, citing officials, that Washington is planning new strikes on Iran this weekend.
BREAKING: The U.S. and Israel are planning what would be one of the harshest bombing campaigns to date against energy infrastructure targets in Iran, multiple sources told @CBSNews, with strikes possible throughout the weekend. @margbrennan has details. https://t.co/67GtsafRMH pic.twitter.com/h1TEyGA27F
— CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil (@CBSEveningNews) July 31, 2026
Earlier on Saturday, Kuwait said it intercepted Iranian drones targeting a government facility and civilian vehicles, while a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. No casualties were reported in either incident.
This week, Iran and the US resumed overnight exchanges of fire after a days-long halt in fighting, although there were no reported strikes overnight Friday to Saturday.
The Middle East war broke out on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, which has retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the region.
Trump orders fresh strike on Iran
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to launch a fresh strike on Iran as early as this weekend.
Citing unnamed US officials, the newspaper reported that the planned strikes are intended to force Iran into surrendering.
Meanwhile, Axios reported that President Trump is seriously considering launching attacks against energy targets in Iran in the next few days, but hasn’t given final orders to do it.
The reports came hours after Trump renewed threats of military retaliation following an attack on a US military base in Jordan.
“We’ll be hitting them very hard,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on Friday. “At some point they’ll say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.’”
Also Read: We’ll Be Hitting Them Hard, Trump Vows Intensified Strikes on Iran
In a separate report, CBS News said the United States is also considering targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and power plants, in what would mark a significant escalation of the conflict.
Human rights advocates have warned that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure could amount to war crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt did not confirm the reports of imminent military action but reiterated the administration’s hardline stance.
“Iran will continue to pay until they come to the table in what President Trump deems a meaningful way,” she said in a statement.
