Subhechcha Ganguly 
As tensions between the United States and Iran intensify, Washington has urged all American nationals across the Middle East to leave the region immediately. The advisory follows reported drone strikes targeting US embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
The US State Department issued a “depart now” notice as fighting and drone attacks continued for another day, pushing West Asia closer to a full-scale war involving the US, Israel and Iran. The warning comes even as limited flight operations resumed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai after days of sweeping cancellations and airspace closures that left thousands stranded.
US President Donald Trump said military operations against Iran could continue for another four to five weeks and signalled readiness to extend them further if necessary. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed members of Congress on ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ stating that the most significant military actions were yet to come.
Israel has intensified its strikes in what it described as “the heart of Tehran” as part of coordinated operations with Washington. Beyond Iran, Israeli forces have resumed attacks in Lebanon after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah allegedly launched a drone toward Haifa following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The renewed violence comes months after the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. In response to escalating hostilities, Lebanon has reportedly banned all Hezbollah military activities within its territory, triggering fresh displacement in southern Lebanon.
In a separate development, the US military stated that the Kuwaiti armed forces mistakenly shot down three American F-15E fighter jets during an Iranian attack. According to US Central Command, the incident occurred amid heightened aerial threats in the region.
