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The United States has issued urgent security warnings to its embassies and diplomatic missions across the Middle East, including Jerusalem, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, alerting staff to increased threats from Iran-backed Houthi militants and Iranian government attempts to harm senior US officials in the region. Both Walla and Ynet report the warning was accompanied by instructions to prepare for potential rapid escalation of military conflict.

The alert specifically warned of potential attacks by Iranian-backed forces, disruptions to air travel, flight cancellations, and possible closure of airspace. US citizens in the region were urged to maintain heightened vigilance and take precautionary measures.

The warning comes amid reported explosions at Qeshm Island in Iran, which initial reports suggested may have involved US military aircraft, though details remain unclear. The timing coincides with diplomatic efforts by US Vice President JD Vance to negotiate with Iran through intermediaries in Qatar and Pakistan.

Sources: Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, Ynet