The US Virtual Embassy in Iran has urged American citizens to leave Iran immediately and warned those in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance amid a complex security environment.

Axar.az reports that the embassy advised US citizens not to travel to Iran under any circumstances, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions.

It also cautioned that procedures at Iran’s land border crossings could change at short notice, as could entry requirements for neighbouring countries.

The statement further warned that Iranian-backed Houthi forces have carried out attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties and significant travel disruptions.

The embassy added that hostilities could escalate rapidly and warned that Iran and groups aligned with it could target US interests overseas, including American businesses and institutions.