The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran urged Americans to leave the country immediately as Trump threatens to significantly escalate hostilities.
In a publication on Sunday, the embassy said that "due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation."
"Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens should leave Iran now," the publication added.
It went on to say that border-crossing procedures in the country "may change with little notice" and "travelers should be aware that entry requirements for the country you are entering may also shift quickly."
Elsewhere, the publication noted that Iran-backed Houthis "have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports," and the conflict "has the potential to escalate rapidly."
The warning took place as President Donald Trump told Fox News that he is in a "deciding mode" and "very big things" about the war will take place soon. "My question is, if and when do I blow the entire nation up? They better behave," Trump said.
However, the president said at the same time that he would likely be open to meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is set to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week. He will travel to the country on Tuesday and is expected to address the summit, as well as hold meetings with counterparts on the sidelines of the event.
The Iranian military said its intelligence shows the U.S. preparing a new, large-scale strike against the country and warned of "painful retaliation" across the region. Countries deemed to be backing the strike would be considered as involved in the conflict, forces added.
"If the U.S. makes any mistake against the Islamic Republic of Iran, all its positions and interests in the region will be targeted by sustained, effective and painful attacks," Iranian forces said.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Hossein Mohebbi, on his end, said that "if a new aggression occurs," the country "will certainly change the weaponry and the geography of the war."
