The US Department of State has directed all American personnel in several Middle Eastern countries to shelter in place following US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday that triggered explosions and plumes of smoke in Tehran.
The advisories apply to Americans in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel, among others, with embassy officials urging citizens to remain indoors until further notice.
In a statement by the agency on X on Saturday, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem warned that “the Government of Israel has closed the airspace to all civilian flights. All commercial flights from Ben Gurion Airport have been cancelled.”
The embassy emphasised that the security situation is volatile, noting that “mortars, rockets, missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system intrusions often occur without warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.”
The statement urged US citizens to “find the nearest bomb shelter or protected space, monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Embassy officials also cautioned that “in response to security incidents and without advance notice, US government personnel and their family members may be restricted from travelling to certain areas of Israel, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
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In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate issued similar advisories, describing the situation as “regional hostilities” and instructing all Americans to “shelter-in-place, keep a supply of food, water, and medications, maintain communication with family, and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings.”
Citizens were also advised to enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program to receive real-time security updates.
The statement further advised, “We recommend that all Americans take immediate precautions to protect their safety until further notice.”
In Qatar, the U.S. Embassy in Doha confirmed, “We are implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice. Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.”
Assistance lines, including an after-hours number +974-4496-6000, were provided for those requiring immediate support.
The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain issued a similar alert, advising Americans to “find a secure location within your residence or another safe building, keep phones charged, and monitor local media for breaking news.”
In Jordan, the embassy in Amman urged: “Contact the Jordanian police by dialling 911 if you are in immediate danger. Keep a supply of essentials and remain in a secure location. Follow local authorities’ instructions at all times.”
The advisories follow a major military operation by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets, prompted by President Donald Trump’s frustrations over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
In a video posted from his Florida golf club, Trump said: “The United States’ military began major combat operations in Iran. We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy.”
Trump described the strikes as necessary to counter “imminent threats” from Iran and offered the Iranian military “immunity or certain death,” adding, “the hour of your freedom is at hand.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the action as a “preventive strike.”
Iranian state television reported that President Pezeshkian was “safe and sound,” while the Fars News Agency confirmed seven missile impacts in Tehran’s Keshvardoost and Pasteur districts.
The US Department of State reminded Americans across the region that the situation remains fluid, advising, “Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, know the locations of the nearest shelters, and be prepared to adjust your plans based on developments. Safety and vigilance are paramount.”
Fars News Agency
