The US embassy in Beirut is urging its citizens to leave Lebanon on “any available ticket” amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a similar warning, saying the situation “could deteriorate rapidly”.
Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. His assassination occurred hours after Israel killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
There are concerns that Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah could play a major role in any such retaliation, which could trigger a serious Israeli response.
this U.S. Embassy Those who choose to stay in Lebanon should “make contingency plans” and be prepared to “shelter in place for an extended period of time,” it said on Saturday.
Several airlines have reportedly suspended and canceled flights, with many flights sold out, but “commercial transportation options out of Lebanon remain available.”
The Pentagon says this is Deploy more warships and fighter jets to the region to help defend Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxies.
Britain said it would send extra military, consular and Border Force officers to help with evacuations but urged British citizens to leave the country “when commercial flights are in operation”.
Two British warships have arrived in the area, and the Royal Air Force has also sent transport helicopters on standby.
“It is in no one’s interest that this conflict spreads across the region,” Mr Lamy said.
in April, Iran launches air strikes on Israel Used 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and at least 110 ballistic missiles.
This is revenge against Israel Iranian consulate explosion In Damascus, Syria.
Many are worried that Iran may take similar retaliatory actions this time.
Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani said in a phone call with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Friday that Iran would “without a doubt use its inherent legal rights” to “punish” Israel. .
On Friday, an announcer on Iran’s state television warned that “the world will witness extraordinary scenes”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Israelis that “challenging days are ahead… We hear threats from all sides. We are prepared for any scenario”.
Israeli ministers are taking satellite phones home with them this weekend in case the country’s communications infrastructure is attacked.
Tensions between Israel and Iran initially escalated after an attack killed 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Israel blames Hezbollah and vows “severe” revenge, but Hezbollah denies involvement.
Days later, senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Four other people were also killed, including two children.
Hours later, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in iran, a major supporter of Hamas. He was visiting to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers at Haniyeh’s funeral in Tehran on Thursday. He had earlier vowed that Israel would suffer “Severe punishment“To kill people.”
