US embassies in Middle East warn Americans of 'unforeseen escalation' as latest strikes hit Iran

close Video US, Iran trade strikes as Trump issues stark warning Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst reports from Tel Aviv and on escalating tensions as the U.S. and Iran trade strikes. Retired Navy captain Brent Sadler analyzes Central Command strikes on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian forces fired eight ballistic missiles at U.S. military bases in Jordan. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Hören Sie sich diesen Artikel an 3 Min Multiple U.S. embassies in the Middle East warned Americans Tuesday of the "potential for unforeseen escalation" as U.S. Central Command launched fresh strikes on Iran. Similar messages posted on the websites of the U.S. embassies in Jerusalem, Jordan and Qatar said, "Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions." The warnings came as CENTCOM said its forces "began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran" around 12 p.m. ET. "The strikes follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region," CENTCOM added. US STRIKES IRGC, IRANIAN PORT TARGETS AFTER TRUMP VOWS TO 'HIT BACK HARD' An armed member of Iran's police special forces adjusts a flag during a pro-government rally in downtown Tehran on Jan. 12, 2026. (NurPhoto via Getty Images) "The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has no mines (They have been completely removed or detonated!), and the Iranians shooting eight missiles, all successfully knocked down, at our Military Base in Jordan," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday. "If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran!" he added. U.S. strikes over the weekend targeted two Iranian rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz, the first such strikes in a month. Iranian forces were preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the strait when U.S. forces targeted Larak Island, U.S. Central Command said. In response, Iran launched eight ballistic missiles targeting U.S. bases in Jordan. NEW REPORT EXPOSES INTACT IRANIAN BUNKER THAT MAY HIDE REGIME'S ONGOING NUCLEAR WORK Soldiers parade during National Army Day on April 18, 2025, in Tehran, Iran. (Getty Images) The embassies also said Tuesday, "Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. "U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions," it continued. U.S. Navy E/A 18G electronic-warfare aircraft patrol the skies over the Middle East as the U.S. military is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, according to CENTCOM. (CENTCOM) "The situation in the Middle East remains fluid," the message also said. "The Iranian regime is unpredictable, as seen by its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or provocations as well as to expand attacks to areas not previously targeted (such as Egypt). Americans should remain vigilant, as merely because U.S. interests or businesses have not been attacked in a country in the past does not ensure their safety." Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.