The U.S. Department of State, by issuing a global security alert, asked its citizens worldwide to “exercise more caution.”

In a statement released on Monday, it said that due to rising tensions in the Middle East, the security situation remains complicated and there is a possibility of an unexpected escalation of the crisis.

The U.S. Department of State advised American citizens in the Middle East to increase their vigilance and to be prepared for the possibility of flight cancellations, the temporary closure of airspace, and travel disruptions.

The agency also asked Americans outside the Middle East to reconsider travel to this region or travel through it.

The U.S. Department of State warned that U.S. diplomatic facilities have been targeted with attacks even outside the Middle East, and that the Islamic Republic and groups close to the Iranian government may target American interests or places associated with American citizens in different parts of the world.