Several US embassies in the Middle East have issued identical security alerts for American citizens in the region, citing potential threats from Iran or the Houthis in Yemen, Al Jazeera reports.

“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including US businesses and other institutions,” the advisory says.

It has warned Americans to “be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions” and “exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment”.

Referring to ongoing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, the advisory says the conflict could “escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area”. The advisory covers 12 Middle East countries, including the Gulf Arab states, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Yemen and Iran.