US Citizens Urged to Leave Lebanon Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
The US embassy in Beirut has issued a stark advisory for its citizens, urging them to leave Lebanon “on any ticket available” as tensions escalate dramatically in the Middle East. This warning follows a similar caution from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who highlighted the potential for the situation to “deteriorate rapidly.”
The heightened alert comes after Iran promised severe retaliation against Israel, blaming it for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. This incident followed the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut by Israeli forces.
Concerns are mounting that Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia based in Lebanon, might engage heavily in any retaliatory actions, potentially triggering a fierce Israeli response.
Potential Conflict Escalation
The US embassy 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 numerous flight cancellations and sold-out tickets, the embassy noted that commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon are still available.
In a show of support for Israel, the Pentagon announced the deployment of additional warships and fighter jets to the region. Meanwhile, the UK is bolstering its efforts with extra military personnel, consular staff, and border force officials to facilitate evacuations. UK citizens have been urged to leave the country while commercial flights are operational, with British military ships already positioned in the area and transport helicopters on standby.
Regional Tensions and International Reactions
Foreign Secretary Lammy emphasized that spreading the conflict is against everyone’s interest. In April, Iran launched a significant air assault on Israel with drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, retaliating for an Israeli bombing of an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. Fears are now growing that Iran’s response to the recent killings could be similarly intense.
Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani, during a phone conversation with EU Foreign Policy Chief Joseph Borrell, affirmed Iran’s intent to exercise its “inherent and legitimate right” to punish Israel. Iranian state TV ominously announced that the world would witness “extraordinary scenes.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the nation of “challenging days” ahead, preparing for any possible scenario amid threats from multiple fronts. Israeli ministers have been equipped with satellite phones to ensure communication remains intact in case of an infrastructure attack.
Prelude to Conflict
The initial spike in tensions between Israel and Iran began with an attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers. Israel blamed Hezbollah and promised severe retaliation, though Hezbollah denied involvement. Subsequently, senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, alongside four others, including two children.
Shortly after, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran, where he was attending the inauguration of the new Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the prayers at Haniyeh’s funeral, vowed harsh punishment for Israel.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, hoping to prevent a full-scale regional conflict.
