(CNN) -- The State Department issued a public announcement Tuesday advising U.S. citizens traveling abroad to be aware of increased tensions related to the Iraqi government's ending its cooperation with United Nations weapons inspectors.

The State Department said it could not rule out the possibility of anti-American violence if the United States decides to take military action in the latest standoff. The announcement said U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide are taking appropriate security precautions. A travel warning issued in February advising Americans against traveling to Iraq remains in effect.