US Warns Citizens in Middle East of Possible Sudden Escalation

The US State Department and the US Embassy in Baghdad warned US citizens in the Middle East of a possible unexpected escalation, citing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

• The State Department urged US citizens in the region to exercise caution, citing the potential for unexpected escalation, and urged those outside it to reconsider travel there.
• The US Embassy in Baghdad advised citizens to prepare for possible sudden airspace closures and flight cancellations and to follow airport and airline updates.
• Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki announced Saturday that Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh.
• Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, and Bahrain condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as a violation of international law.
• GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the missile launch toward Riyadh, and called for a firm international stance.
• President Donald Trump cut short his weekend at Camp David and returned to the White House on Saturday amid the regional tensions.
• Lebanon's foreign ministry called the Houthi attack on Saudi security a serious violation of international law.
• Jordan's foreign ministry said the attempts also targeted Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu, in addition to Riyadh.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and GCC Secretary-General Jassem al-Budaiwi discussed the Houthi attacks at the UN General Assembly.
• Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi condemned the Houthi attack on Riyadh as a violation of international law and a threat to Arab national security, urging the UN Security Council to act.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth headed to Washington amid unconfirmed reports of high-level security consultations.
• Iranian media reported that Iran's armed forces raised their operational readiness to the maximum level.