WASHINGTON, Sep 20: The United States has warned its citizens in nine Middle Eastern countries to exercise “heightened vigilance,” citing the risk of further escalation and disruptions to air travel.

Security alerts issued on September 19 covered Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Jordan, with the US State Department saying the regional security environment “remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.”

The alerts warned Americans to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions as tensions in the region continue to rise.

The US also pointed to ongoing fighting involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, including attacks affecting civilian airports, and warned that the military conflict “has the potential to escalate rapidly.”

The advisories further cautioned that Iran and groups supportive of Tehran could target US interests, businesses and institutions, as well as locations associated with Americans overseas.

The warnings urged US citizens across the affected countries to remain alert, monitor local developments and follow instructions from local authorities.