Washington / Anadolu

The United States on Saturday warned its citizens around the world of potential security threats linked to Iran, amid escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran in the Middle East.

The US State Department said in a global advisory that the security situation remains "complex," with the possibility of unexpected escalation.

It called on Americans worldwide, especially those in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution and follow news for emerging developments.

The department warned that groups supporting Iran may target other US interests abroad, or sites linked to the United States and Americans around the world.

It noted that US diplomatic facilities have been targeted, including those located outside the Middle East.

The State Department also warned that flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures could disrupt travel.

It urged Americans abroad to follow instructions in security alerts from the nearest US embassy or consulate.

It encouraged them to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest security alerts and follow State Department channels for citizen security updates.

The State Department also recommended that travelers review detailed security advisories and information for their destinations and check the latest alerts before starting their trips.

The warning comes as the confrontation between the United States and Iran enters its second week, following the collapse of a temporary halt in military operations between the two sides at the beginning of this July.

Since the confrontation resumed, the United States has launched successive waves of strikes on military sites and infrastructure inside Iran, while Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and facilities in several regional countries.

Iranian attacks have targeted sites in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, while Washington announced the deaths of two US military personnel and a third missing after a base in Jordan was targeted, a development that heightened fears of the confrontation widening.

The escalation has also disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, threatened air traffic and energy supplies, amid intermittent airspace closures and warnings of targeting US facilities and interests outside the Middle East.