The United States has issued a renewed security warning for its citizens across the Middle East, citing a rapidly evolving security environment following a sharp escalation in hostilities involving Iran and the United States.

In a security alert issued by the State Department, American citizens were advised to exercise increased caution and closely monitor local news and official guidance as tensions continue to rise across the region.

“Due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly,” the department said.

“We remind US citizens in the Middle East of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments.”

The advisory maintained Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) warnings for Bahrain, Israel, the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) advisories remained in effect for Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen.