U.S. Embassies across the Middle East are warning Americans of significant travel risks and potential flight cancellations amidst heightened U.S.-Iran tensions and signs of imminent military action. Reports indicate President Trump may order fresh strikes on Iran this weekend, prompting Iran to threaten decisive retaliation and tightened control over critical maritime passages.
U.S. Embassies across the Middle East have issued urgent warnings to American citizens, advising vigilance and preparedness for potential flight cancellations. These alerts come amid rapidly escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with clear indications of possible military action in the very near future.
A senior Gulf government official and a foreign diplomat, speaking anonymously to MS NOW due to the sensitive nature of the information, confirmed that the region is on "high alert," anticipating a significant uptick in military activity. They warned of "significant disruptions" across the region.
Briefings have reportedly informed Gulf states about potential U.S.-Israeli strikes against energy infrastructure within Iran. In response, Iran is expected to retaliate by targeting energy sites in the Gulf region, raising fears of widespread economic and environmental repercussions.
These warnings are reinforced by recent incidents, including a tanker near Oman reporting a strike and another witnessing a nearby explosion. Additionally, Kuwait’s air defenses engaged hostile drone attacks, which have been attributed to Iran.
Reports from U.S. media suggest that President Donald Trump is preparing to launch a fresh round of attacks on Iran as early as this weekend. This development signals a breakdown in hopes for a negotiated peace, which had been tenuous since the war commenced on February 28. Energy prices have already begun to climb in anticipation of further conflict.
Photo taken on March 3, 2026, shows the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi communicated to his Saudi counterpart that any "aggression" by the U.S., Israel, or involvement from regional countries would be met with a "decisive and proportionate response." Similarly, in calls with Turkish and Pakistani officials, Araqchi reiterated Iran’s readiness to respond to any hostile actions.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) also corroborated reports of a tanker hit by an "unknown projectile" causing engine room damage 11 nautical miles northeast of Oman, alongside another vessel observing a "large splash and explosion" nearby.
A temporary ceasefire, initiated after a memorandum of understanding was signed between the U.S. and Iran on June 17, has effectively collapsed. Neither side has yielded on critical issues, including Iran's nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies.
In the past week, the U.S. conducted a "heavy wave" of strikes against Iran, targeting numerous Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sites. Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. The conflict further expanded with a drone strike on two ships at Egypt's Mediterranean port of Damietta, marking the first attack on Egyptian soil since the war began.
'Hitting them very hard'
The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed U.S. officials indicating President Trump had ordered military strikes against Iran, possibly this weekend, though diplomatic progress could still halt the plans. Trump publicly stated, "We will be hitting them very hard," adding, "And you know at some point, they're going to say, 'We just can't take it anymore.'" Axios also reported Trump's serious consideration of targeting Iranian energy infrastructure.
An Iranian official further warned that continued U.S. actions, particularly the naval blockade, would lead Iran to tighten its control not only over the Strait of Hormuz but also other critical maritime choke points. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned via WANA news agency that "The price for this will be paid by the global economy, the energy market, and American voters." The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ships on July 13.
Concerns are growing that the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a key shipping route at the southern end of the Red Sea, could become another flashpoint, mirroring the struggle over the Strait of Hormuz. This fear is fueled by recent strikes by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen and the recent drone attack in Egypt.
The escalating tensions have impacted global markets, with West Texas Intermediate futures rising over 1% to $84.67 per barrel and Brent crude gaining more than 1% to settle at $90.12. Prices had previously fallen earlier in the week on hopes of de-escalation, highlighting the volatility induced by the conflict.
Reuters contributed to this report.
