Trump returns to White House early amid rising Middle East tensions

US President Donald Trump returned to Washington a day earlier than scheduled after cutting short his stay at Camp David amid rising tensions and security concerns in the Middle East.

Trump arrived in Washington on Saturday evening, according to Turkish state-run Anadolu.

The White House had earlier announced that Trump was scheduled to leave Camp David on Sunday. However, his schedule was later revised, with the president set to return to Washington aboard Marine One. The administration did not provide a reason for the change.

Meanwhile, a civilian aircraft that entered restricted airspace near Camp David was intercepted by a US F-16 fighter jet on Saturday. The aircraft was safely escorted out of the area, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

First Air Force said the incident posed no threat to people on the ground and there was no indication of any threat to Trump or the presidential retreat.

The incident came as tensions continued to rise across the Middle East. The US State Department has also issued a travel alert, urging Americans in the region to exercise increased caution and advising those outside the region to reconsider travel plans involving the Middle East.

The department warned that the security situation remains complicated and could deteriorate unexpectedly at any time. It also cautioned that disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, could occur.

The State Department said Iran-backed Houthi forces had engaged in hostile activities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks targeting civilian airports.

It warned that the conflict could quickly expand and that Iran and groups it supports could target US interests, businesses, institutions and facilities associated with American citizens around the world.

- MaT