The US and UK governments have requested their embassy staff and nationals leave Lebanon due to the unexpected security situation, prompting a possible all-out war in the region.
Both embassies have advised their nationals to vacate and stop traveling to the country over the deteriorating escalation and fears of possible wider conflicts.
The UK said it was sending officials to the region, “including Lebanon, to offer additional support to the embassy as part of the government’s preparatory planning” over the possible surgical conflicts, even as tensions continue to rise.
British nationals have also been advised to stay updated on the latest important developments from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The British military is preparing for a possible deployment to the region to provide additional support to the Embassy.
The Defense Secretary, John Healey, said on his side that he urged the Middle East leaders to de-escalate and pursue the diplomatic path, end the fighting in Gaza, and release hostages.
“As I told leaders in the Middle East this week, de-escalation must be the primary focus in the region, and we are urging all to dial down tensions. There must be an end to the fighting, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a diplomatic path to peace and security.”
In addition to readying their military personnel for possible booting in the region, the UK’s landing ship RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan are already stationed in the region—put on high alert to support allies.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated that consequences could worsen amid the calls for a diplomatic route to de-escalate the situation.
“A widening of this conflict is in nobody’s interest—the consequences could be catastrophic. That’s why we continue to call for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution,” he said.
The United States, on its side, urged the nationals to leave the country and book any ticket available for them and advised those with no funds to contact the embassy for financial support.
The US has noted that a dozen airlines have halted flights to Beirut and have urged its nationals who want to leave to opt for commercial transportation. However, those who may wish to stay have been advised to prepare for emergency situations and consider sheltering should the situation deepen.
The situation in the Middle East has been deteriorating since the assassination of the Amas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Iran, who was visiting to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
While attending the funeral ceremony of the Hamas chief in Tehran on Thursday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, vowed to retaliate against the Israeli regime.
This could follow a similar retaliatory event in April, when Iran launched an air attack on Israel using dozens of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
On Friday, the Iranian TV reported that “incoming hours, the world will witness extraordinary scenes and very important developments.”
