The United States has issued a renewed worldwide security alert advising its citizens to remain on maximum alert due to rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to a report by Al Jazeera published on Thursday, the US State Department updated its global advisory, warning that the current security situation in the region is highly complex and could deteriorate unexpectedly.

The department noted that American diplomatic facilities outside the Middle East have also been targeted, and that Iran or Iran-backed armed groups could strike US interests anywhere in the world. The advisory further cautioned that American businesses and international organizations may also face risks.

US citizens currently in the Middle East were urged to stay aware of possible flight cancellations or travel disruptions, while those outside the region were advised to avoid traveling to or over the area, or to reconsider such plans.