U.S. President Trump arrived in Morristown, New Jersey, aboard Air Force One on July 31 after concluding a cabinet meeting at Camp David. (AP)
U.S. President Donald Trump announced at a cabinet meeting Friday (July 31) that he would resume strikes against Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that action could come as early as this weekend and could last for several days to force Iran to yield. The U.S. Embassy in Jordan issued a security alert at around 3 p.m. Taiwan time on the 1st, urging American citizens in the Middle East to remain vigilant, citing the Iranian government's "unpredictable" behavior and the "rapidly changing" local situation. By around 9 p.m. Taiwan time on the 1st, the U.S. State Department also expanded its warning, advising American citizens in the Middle East to "consider leaving, or be prepared to leave if the situation escalates."
Al Jazeera reported that the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan's capital, earlier issued a security alert, saying American citizens in the Middle East should "remain cautious and highly vigilant" and be prepared for any possible "flight cancellations" or "intermittent airspace closures." The embassy reminded: "U.S. citizens should remain vigilant because the fact that American interests or businesses in a particular country have not previously been attacked does not guarantee safety."
CNN reported that the State Department later also posted on social media, issuing a broad alert to U.S. citizens in the Middle East. The message advised U.S. citizens to "consider departing, or be prepared to depart if the situation escalates."
U.S. officials revealed that Washington is considering a new round of strikes against Iran, potentially this weekend. Iran, in turn, has threatened further attacks on regional countries hosting U.S. military bases. It was amid the possibility of imminent escalation that the State Department issued the above travel advisory.
The State Department also warned U.S. citizens in the Middle East to "remain cautious and highly vigilant, and be prepared for flight cancellations, intermittent airspace closures, and possible travel disruptions." The department noted that some airlines in the region have delayed the resumption of flight schedules, while some airlines have canceled flights on certain routes. Travelers planning to enter or leave the Middle East should closely monitor airport and airline operations. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have been targets; Iran and Iran-backed groups may attack U.S. interests overseas or locations connected to the United States and Americans around the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.
