Kathmandu— The U.S. embassies in over a dozen Middle Eastern nations have issued security alerts advising American citizens to exercise caution and 'consider departing' the region amid escalating tensions. The warnings come as Iran prepares an extensive response plan following recent media reports of possible strikes against its infrastructure, leading to renewed exchanges of airstrikes between the United States and Iran.

Security Alerts Issued Across Middle East

On Saturday, U.S. embassies in countries including Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia posted similar security alerts on their websites. The warnings advise American citizens to exercise caution due to a complex security environment with potential for unforeseen escalation. Americans are urged to be prepared for flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.

Iran's Response Plan

In response to recent U.S. media reports suggesting possible strikes against Iranian infrastructure, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the country has developed an extensive plan to counter potential attacks. A senior security official cited by Tasnim stated that the plan involves targeting vital Israeli and U.S. energy infrastructure in retaliation.

Recent Military Activity

The heightened tensions follow renewed military activity between the United States and Iran, including joint strikes on Iranian cities by the U.S. and Israel earlier this year. These actions prompted a series of retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran against U.S. and Israeli bases in the region. Additionally, there has been an emergence of a new front involving Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.