At least two European airlines suspended flights to cities in theMiddle Easton Friday, withAir Francesaying it will temporarily stop service toDubaidue to the geopolitical situation.

Dutch airlineKLMalso halted flights until further notice to cities in the Middle East and would not fly through the airspace of several countries in the region, includingIraqandIran, according to theNetherlands' state broadcaster.

PresidentDonald Trumpsaid on Thursday that a US "armada" was heading toward the Gulf and that Washington was watching Iran closely, even after downplaying the prospect of imminent military action and saying Tehran appeared interested in talks.

Read moreUS begins transfer of up to 7,000 IS group detainees from Syria to Iraq

The airline added it was "constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft" to ensure "the highest level of safety and security" for its flights.

"Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule," the French airline said.

KLM told Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Friday that it had suspended flights until further notice to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh and would not fly through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel and several countries in the Gulf.

The airline did not disclose the reason for the suspensions and said it was in touch with Dutch authorities, according to NOS.

Trump has repeatedly threatened US strikes on Iran over the crackdown on the protest movement that recently erupted across the Islamic republic.

The prospect of military action appeared to recede last week after theWhite Housesaid Tehran had halted planned executions of demonstrators, but Trump on Thursday confirmed continuing military preparations.

"You know we have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case... We have a big force going toward Iran," he said.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Originally published on France24