Image Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Staff / Getty Images The State Department issued a statement calling for Americans worldwide to “exercise extreme caution” and warning of the possibility of Iranian attacks.
“Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the State Department said.
The guidance notes that Americans in the Middle East should pay particular attention, but adds that US diplomatic buildings have been targeted “even outside the Middle East,” meaning the potential threat is global.
Groups that support the Iranian regime “may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States,” as well as US citizens.
The bulletin provides no specific details of threats, but it comes less than a week after an Iranian general said Tehran would consider attacking its enemies “anywhere in the world.”
“From now on, based on the information we have about you, even parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you,” Iranian Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi said in an official statement.
At the weekend, President Trump warned Iran he would strike civilian power infrastructure if the Strat of Hormuz is not fully reopened within 48 hours.
Iran responded by saying it would keep the Strait closed and strike power plants across the Middle East.
The Strait has remained almost completely closed since the beginning of the war on 28 February.
Under normal circumstances, around 20% of the world’s oil exports pass through the Strait.