Bahrain Urges Citizens to Leave Iran, Iraq 'Immediately' Amid US Row with Tehran

The Kingdom of Bahrain has issued a warning to its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran.

According to the BNA state news agency, Bahraini authorities asked those currently staying in either of the nations to return 'immediately' for their safety.    

The kingdom's foreign ministry warned Bahraini nationals of "unstable regional circumstances, dangerous developments and potential threats".

Bahrain's travel warning comes amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran.    

Washington has withdrawn non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday amid purported "threats" from Iran. 

Following suit with the US, Germany and the Netherlands announced that they were suspending military training operations in Iraq "until further orders".  However, Germany later resumed its military training mission in Iraq after a re-evaluation of the security situation, while the Netherlands is mulling this option.    

The tensions exacerbated after the US boosted its military presence in the Persian Gulf with the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and a bomber task force. Tehran has repeatedly said it is ready to retaliate if a military conflict erupts.