The US embassy in Beirut has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon using “any available ticket”, amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The advice comes after a similar warning from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who said the situation “could deteriorate rapidly”.
Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. His assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
There are concerns that Lebanon-based Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, could play a key role in any retaliation, which could trigger a severe response from Israel.
The US Embassy said on Saturday that those who choose to stay in Lebanon should “prepare contingency plans” and be prepared to “shelter in place for an extended period of time.”
The report said some airlines had suspended and canceled flights, and many were sold out, but “commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available.”
The Pentagon said it was deploy more warships and fighter jets to the region to help protect Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxy forces.
The UK said it would send extra military personnel, consular staff and border guards to assist with the evacuation – but urged British citizens to leave the country “while commercial flights are still operating”.
Two British military ships are now in the area and the Royal Air Force has put transport helicopters on standby.
“It is in no one’s interest to see this conflict spread across the region,” Mr Lammy said.
In April, Iran launched an airstrike on Israel using 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and at least 110 ballistic missiles.
It is in retaliation for Israel. Iranian consulate bombing in Damascus, Syria.
Many fear Iran’s retaliation this time could come in a similar fashion.
In a phone call with EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell on Friday, Iran’s acting foreign minister Ali Baqeri Kani said Iran “will certainly use its legitimate and inherent right” to “punish” Israel.
On Friday, an announcer on Iranian state television warned that “the world will witness extraordinary scenes.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Israelis that “challenging days are ahead… We have heard threats from all sides. We are prepared for all scenarios”.
Israeli ministers were sent home this weekend with satellite phones as a precaution in case the country’s communications infrastructure is attacked.
Tensions between Israel and Iran initially escalated when 12 children and teenagers were killed in an attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Israel blamed Hezbollah and vowed to retaliate “severely”, although Hezbollah denied involvement.
Days later, senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Four others, including two children, were also killed.
Hours later, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Irana major supporter of Hamas. He visited to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
At Haniyeh’s funeral in Tehran on Thursday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led prayers. He had earlier vowed that Israel would suffer a “Harsh punishment” to kill people.
