US Embassies Warn Americans as Trump Considers New Military Strikes Against Iran

US embassies in the Middle East have issued warnings to American citizens to exercise caution due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The warnings come after President Donald Trump announced he was considering new military strikes against Iran.

Tehran's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, stated that a continued US naval blockade and any escalation would lead to the closure of other strategic choke points, including those in addition to the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict has resulted in sharp swings in energy prices, with Brent crude ending the week above $90 a barrel, up from below $72 a barrel at the start of last month. The effects of the war have rippled far beyond the Gulf, driving up inflation worldwide while threatening to engulf more of the Middle East.

The US is considering striking energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and power plants, which would mark a major escalation in the military campaign. Deliberate bombing of civilian targets could be considered a war crime, according to advocacy groups.