The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide security caution, warning that escalating hostilities in the Middle East could increase the risk of attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions and interests abroad, placing Kenya and other countries on heightened alert.

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The department issued the warning hours after a fresh round of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, July 22, as tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran continued to escalate.

"Worldwide Caution: Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation," the U.S. Department of State said.

The department warned that Iran and groups aligned with Tehran could target U.S. interests around the world, including diplomatic facilities, businesses and other institutions.

📌 What You Need to Know

"U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions," it added.

Hours after the warning, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on social media that Tehran's defence doctrine was now an "eye for an eye," warning that any attack on Iranian civilian infrastructure would trigger immediate retaliation against regional energy facilities.

He added that countries providing support for such attacks, regardless of the form of assistance, would also be considered legitimate targets.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also warned that no country in the region would be allowed to export oil through the Strait of Hormuz if Iran's own exports remained blocked by U.S. actions.

Araghchi added: "Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response."

Kenya is among the countries with defence cooperation agreements with the United States. Washington has previously used Kenya's Port of Mombasa and Manda Bay military facilities for logistics, training and security operations.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke