'Prepare to depart': US embassies issue alert across Middle East amid Iran tensions

File photo: Middle East security situation US embassies across several Middle Eastern countries on Saturday urged American citizens to consider leaving the region or be prepared to depart at short notice, warning of the possibility of an "unforeseen escalation" in the conflict involving Iran.The security alert was issued by US embassies in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran "very hard".The advisory comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to intensify, with repeated military exchanges disrupting travel, trade and security across the region.US warns of escalating security risksThe identical security alerts described the situation in the Middle East as "fluid" and warned that the Iranian regime remained "unpredictable", citing recent attacks carried out "without warning or provocations" and the expansion of strikes to areas not previously targeted, including Egypt."Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation," the advisory said.The embassies also advised US citizens to exe...