American travelers are experiencing significant disruptions across the Middle East as regional tensions escalate, with the Pentagon urging U.S. citizens to consider leaving affected areas.

Flight cancellations and embassy closures are impacting American citizens in at least 11 countries throughout the region. Reports indicate explosions and black smoke at airports, including in Beirut, Lebanon, where some Americans have been stranded.

The travel disruptions follow what sources describe as a joint U.S.-Israel military action against Iran, which reportedly triggered retaliatory strikes across the region. The Pentagon has issued advisories for American citizens regarding the deteriorating security situation.

U.S. embassies in multiple countries have implemented closures or reduced operations as a precautionary measure. Travelers have reported difficulties securing flights out of the region as airlines cancel or suspend routes to affected areas.

The State Department has not immediately provided specific numbers of Americans affected, but travelers throughout the region are sharing accounts of being unable to depart due to the ongoing security concerns and transportation disruptions.