The United States has advised its citizens in parts of West Asia to consider leaving the region or be prepared to depart if the security situation worsens, as concerns grow over a possible escalation involving Iran and its regional allies.
"Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation," the advisory said. It also urged US citizens to exercise caution and heightened vigilance while remaining in the region.
US President Donald Trump said Washington could launch additional strikes on Iran if necessary. Speaking to reporters during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Trump said the United States wanted to "win" and warned that Iran could face further military action. His remarks came as uncertainty continued over security around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
Iran's military accused the United States of increasing instability in West Asia and warned regional countries against supporting Washington. Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's military central command, said any country acting as a defensive shield for the US could face the consequences of a wider conflict.
Kuwait's military said it responded to drone attacks that struck several vital facilities in the country's north. Military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said no casualties were reported, while authorities continued assessing the damage.
Maritime security concerns have also intensified. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two separate incidents involving oil tankers near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement said it had enforced a blockade in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another strategically important maritime route connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
