US Embassy Urges Citizens to Depart Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

The United States Embassy in Beirut has issued an urgent advisory, recommending that American citizens leave Lebanon on “any ticket available” due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. This advisory echoes a similar warning from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who cautioned that the situation “could deteriorate rapidly.”

Tensions have heightened following Iran’s vow of “severe” retaliation against Israel, which Iran accuses of assassinating Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. This incident occurred shortly after Israel killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. There is growing concern that Lebanon-based Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, could significantly participate in any retaliation, potentially triggering a severe Israeli response.

The US Embassy’s statement on Saturday advised those choosing to remain in Lebanon to “prepare contingency plans” and be ready to “shelter in place for an extended period of time.” Despite several airlines suspending and canceling flights, the embassy noted that “commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available.”

In response to the situation, the Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional warships and fighter jets to the region to bolster Israel’s defenses against potential attacks by Iran and its proxies.

The UK has also increased its readiness by sending extra military personnel, consular staff, and border force officials to assist with possible evacuations, urging its citizens to leave the country “while commercial flights are running.” Two British military ships are already stationed in the region, and the Royal Air Force has transport helicopters on standby.

David Lammy emphasized that it is “in no one’s interest for this conflict to spread across the region.” In a conversation with EU Foreign Policy Chief Joseph Borrell on Friday, Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani stated that Iran would “undoubtedly use its inherent and legitimate right” to “punish” Israel.

On Friday, Iranian state TV issued a warning that “the world would witness extraordinary scenes.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alerted Israelis to “challenging days” ahead, noting threats from multiple directions and affirming that Israel is “prepared for any scenario.” In preparation for potential communication disruptions, Israeli ministers were equipped with satellite phones over the weekend.

During a funeral ceremony for Haniyeh in Tehran on Thursday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led prayers and vowed that Israel would face “harsh punishment” for the killing.