The UK government has issued a fresh travel advisory for Israel, cautioning British citizens against visiting the country unless their trip is essential.
The updated guidance reflects growing concerns about instability in the region and the potential impact on travel and safety.
In its advisory, the Foreign Office warned: “There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.”
Britons currently in Israel or considering travel have been advised to closely monitor official updates and follow guidance issued by local authorities.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has sent three missile-armed US Navy destroyers to the Middle East amid mounting speculation that military action against Iran could be imminent.
According to The New York Times, Pentagon officials confirmed the deployment and said at least one missile-launching submarine is also operating in the region.
The move comes as Iran faces international outrage over a violent crackdown on anti-government protests, with reports claiming thousands of demonstrators have been killed in recent weeks. Images circulating online have shown body bags lining streets in several cities.
Mr Trump urged Iranians to continue demonstrating against the regime, telling protesters to “keep protesting” and adding that “help is on the way.”
Air travel in Iran has also been disrupted. Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 reported that Iranian authorities had closed the country’s airspace “to all flights except international flights to/from Iran with permission.”
A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) confirmed the closure lasted for just over two hours.
The British government has meanwhile announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran, citing the worsening security situation.
A UK Government spokesperson said on Wednesday: “We have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely.
“Foreign Office travel advice has now been updated to reflect this consular change.”
The decision follows comments from Sir Keir Starmer, who said the UK was working with allies on further sanctions against the Iranian regime.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Trump suggested the killings in Iran had stopped.
Quoted by Sky News, the US President said: “We have been notified and pretty strongly – but we’ll find out what that all means – but we’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping and it’s stopped, and there’s no plan for executions.”
He added: “There’s no plans for executions in Iran.”
Tensions escalated further after Iranian state television aired a direct threat against Mr Trump.
Iran reportedly broadcast an image of the US President taken during the 2024 assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, alongside the words: “This time it will not miss the target,” according to The New York Post.
The warning, shown on state-run television, is said to be the most explicit threat yet against Mr Trump, following repeated warnings from Washington that the US could strike Iran if the regime continues its crackdown on protesters.