US urges citizens 'exercise increased caution' amid Middle East conflict

The US State Department issued an alert urging its citizens around the world to "exercise increased caution", amid its war on Iran. "Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation," the statement read. "Americans outside the Middle East should reconsider travel to and through the region," it added, and warned of the increased possibility of attacks targeting US diplomatic facilities "or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world."