US warns Middle East conflict could escalate rapidly

The United States has issued a sweeping series of security warnings across the Middle East as renewed fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement raises fears of a wider regional confrontation.

The alerts apply to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, with Washington advising Americans throughout the region to remain highly vigilant.

The US State Department warned travellers to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace restrictions and other major disruptions as tensions intensify.

“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports,” the department said, warning that the conflict could “escalate rapidly.” Americans were also advised against travelling to the Middle East.

Washington further cautioned that Iran or groups aligned with Tehran could potentially target American interests abroad, including US-linked businesses, institutions and locations associated with American citizens.

The warnings come amid speculation that Washington is considering fresh military action against Iran or Houthi positions in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has reportedly sought US assistance as it attempts to counter a Houthi offensive against forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

Axios reporter Barak Ravid reported that President Donald Trump cut short his weekend at Camp David and returned to the White House a day earlier than scheduled. CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas, citing sources, said Trump had held discussions at Camp David to examine possible strike options in Yemen.

ABC News previously reported, based on comments from US officials, that Washington intended to restrict its involvement to intelligence and targeting support for Saudi Arabia.

The deterioration in security follows significant Houthi territorial gains in western Yemen. The group has taken control of the port city of Mokha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important maritime passage connecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Saudi Arabia has also halted operations on its East-West oil pipeline, known as Petroline, following damage caused by a drone strike that Riyadh attributed to Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq. The pipeline transports crude from Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil-producing regions to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, allowing shipments to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis, meanwhile, have announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, describing the action as retaliation for what they claim is an unlawful siege of Yemeni territory under their control.

Saudi Arabia first led a military coalition into Yemen in 2015, a year after Houthi forces seized the capital, Sanaa. The latest clashes represent the most serious escalation in the conflict since the UN-brokered truce reached in 2022.