The US State Department reissued a worldwide caution alert on Saturday, warning American citizens travelling or living abroad that they could be targeted amid escalating tensions with Iran. Officials fear that Iran or groups aligned with it could retaliate against US citizens, personnel and interests well beyond the Middle East, prompting the advisory urging Americans overseas to be more vigilant about their personal safety.

The alert follows a period of heightened conflict, including US strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-linked targets and Iranian missile attacks that killed American service members in Jordan. The State Department has advised Americans abroad to keep a low profile, stay alert to their surroundings and monitor local media for updates, reflecting concern that the fallout from the confrontation with Iran could extend to US citizens and facilities in other countries.