US issues worldwide security alert urging caution as Iran-linked groups may target American interests

The US Department of State issued a worldwide security alert Sunday, urging Americans across the globe to be wary of threats from Iran-linked groups.

“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the State Department said in a statement.

Emirates Airbus A350 aircraft landing in Dubai as a smoke plume rises from a fire. — An Emirates flight over Dubai last week. The US Department of State issued a worldwide security alert on Sunday, urging Americans across the globe to “exercise increased caution” over increasing threats from Iran-linked groups.AFP via Getty Images

“Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted,” the warning continued.

“Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.”

The alert comes after Iranian military spokesman Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi issued a chilling threat on Friday, warning that Tehran terrorists will now be targeting popular tourism havens as the US and Israel continue their attacks against Iran.

Tensions have escalated across the Middle East after the US and Israel bombed Iran on Feb. 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

A large crowd of passengers queues at airport security, with a TSA agent in the foreground facing away from the camera. — Travelers wait in long lines at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22. An Iranian military spokesman warned that Tehran terrorists will now be targeting popular tourism havens as the US and Israel continue their attacks against Iran.AFP via Getty Images

Iran quickly hurled retaliatory rockets at American interests in the region, with missiles hitting tourist hubs in Dubai and Israel.

A projectile struck the US Embassy in Baghdad last Friday night, hitting a helipad on the sprawling compound that Iranian-backed militants have repeatedly targeted since the conflict in the Middle East began.

Iran on Sunday also vowed to deploy a policy of “zero restraint” and hit energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf as well as banks that do business with the US if President Trump carries out his threat to “obliterate” Tehran’s power plants.1.2K

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Trump’s ultimatum demanded an end to the Islamic Republic’s hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route that oversees the flow of 20% of the world’s oil supply. The president set a 48-hour deadline for the deal, which ends around 8 p.m. ET on Monday.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad ⁠Baqher Qalibaf said his country would make no such concession, warning of a retaliatory attack that would ramp up already-high energy costs across the world if Trump follows through with the blitz.