Rising tensions with Iran and fears of an Israeli strike prompted the U.S. to move some of its nonmilitary personnel out of the region.

The U.S. Department of State is urging all Americans to exercise extreme caution in light of the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions. American citizens in Israel are strongly advised to limit internal travel and to maintain a high level of situational awareness.

Non-essential US embassy staff and their dependants in Baghdad are to be evacuated from Iraq due to heightened security risks, US government sources have said. Officials did not say exactly what prompted the removal,

Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel's two largest cities, sending residents rushing into shelters.

Israel launched “preemptive” strikes early Friday across Iran, amid growing regional tensions and concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

The statements said Israel would not be providing consular services and urged citizens to cooperate with local security services if faced with hostile activity. No timeframe was given for how long the embassies would be closed.