UPDATE – US Embassy in Israel restricts staff travel amid tension with Iran

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Embassy in Israel on Thursday issued a security alert prohibiting its staff from traveling outside Greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba amid reports of a possible attack against Iran.

“Due to the increased regional tensions, US government employees and their family members are restricted from travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” the embassy said in a statement.

Travel between these three areas remains permitted, including access to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and along Route 1, which connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Allenby Bridge crossing into Jordan, it added.

The embassy reminded US citizens in Israel to exercise “caution and increased personal security awareness – including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning.”

“The security environment is complex and can change quickly,” it warned.

US media reports suggested that Israel was planning military action against Iran over its nuclear program.

On Wednesday, the US ordered the voluntary departure of nonessential employees and military families from some locations in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that American personnel face evacuation because regional locations "could be a dangerous place."

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh on Wednesday threatened to target US bases in the region if a conflict breaks out between the two countries over Tehran’s nuclear program.

The rising tension comes as reports of stalled progress in indirect nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran fueled uncertainty in the Middle East.

The main sticking point in nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington remains Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

While the US demands a complete halt to enrichment, Iranian negotiators insist the program is non-negotiable and will continue with or without a deal.