Washington, Aug. 1 -- The US Department of State has advised American citizens to consider departing the Middle East or prepare to leave if the security situation deteriorates, following US President Donald Trump's vow to hit Iran "very hard" amid escalating regional hostilities involving drone strikes in Kuwait and fresh shipping incidents near the Strait of Hormuz.

The expanding conflict also reached Gaza and Lebanon, where Israeli forces carried out new strikes despite Hamas declaring its readiness to disarm under a US-backed ceasefire framework.

Addressing reporters during a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat, Trump indicated that Washington was prepared for an extended military campaign against Iran.

"We just w...