ISTANBUL

The US Department of State ordered non-emergency personnel of the US missions in Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan to leave, citing a "threat of armed conflict" and "security concerns" amid a military conflict with Iran.

The department also urged US citizens in these countries to monitor local media and official US alerts to stay informed.

Earlier, the US Embassy in Kuwait said on Tuesday that it "will be closed until further notice," over the ongoing regional tensions.

"We have canceled all regular and emergency consular appointments. We will communicate when the embassy returns to normal operations," the embassy said through the US social media company X.

In its travel advisory for Iraq, the US mission in Baghdad also said the Department of State ordered non-emergency government employees "to leave Iraq due to security concerns."

"Because of security concerns, US government personnel in Baghdad are prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport," it added.

The US Embassy in Israel also said it is "not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel,” citing “the current security situation throughout the region.”

"The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has begun operating shuttles to the Taba Border Crossing as of March 2. To be added to the passenger list for a shuttle, you must register via the Ministry’s evacuation form," the embassy noted on X.

The embassy added that it "cannot" provide a recommendation either for or against using the shuttle, stressing that the US "cannot" ensure safety of those choosing to use it for departure.

"Passengers who wish to cross to Jordan may take the shuttle to Eilat and continue independently (by taxi) to the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing," it added.

The developments came as the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign, launched against Iran on Saturday, has killed several senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In response, Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as several regional countries that are home to US assets.