The United States Department of State has instructed American personnel across parts of the Middle East to remain indoors after joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday sparked explosions and thick smoke over Tehran.
The directive covers U.S. citizens in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and Israel, among other locations, with embassy officials advising Americans to stay inside until further notice.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said “the Government of Israel has closed the airspace to all civilian flights. All commercial flights from Ben Gurion Airport have been cancelled.”
The mission warned that the security climate remains unstable, stressing that “mortars, rockets, missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system intrusions often occur without warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.”
Americans were urged to “find the nearest bomb shelter or protected space, monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Embassy officials further noted 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.”
In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate released comparable guidance, describing the situation as “regional hostilities” and directing 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 encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program to receive real-time security updates.
The advisory added, “We recommend that all Americans take immediate precautions to protect their safety until further notice.”
In Doha, the U.S. Embassy 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.”
Emergency support lines were also provided, including an after-hours contact number, +974-4496-6000.
Similarly, the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain told 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 U.S. Embassy in Amman advised: “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 security alerts come after a large-scale military action carried out by the United States and Israel against Iranian facilities, following President Donald Trump’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
Speaking in a video shared 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.”
He 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 characterised the operation as a “preventive strike.”
Iranian state television reported that President Pezeshkian was “safe and sound,” while the Fars News Agency said seven missiles struck Tehran’s Keshvardoost and Pasteur districts.
Reiterating its warning, the U.S. Department of State advised Americans in the region to stay alert, saying: “Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, know the locations of nearest shelters, and be prepared to adjust your plans based on developments. Safety and vigilance are paramount.”
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