The U.S. Department of State has instructed all American citizens and personnel in several Middle Eastern countries to shelter in place following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday, which caused explosions and smoke plumes in Tehran.
The advisory covers Americans in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel, among others. Embassy officials urged citizens to remain indoors until further notice.
In a statement on X, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reported that Israel had closed its airspace to civilian flights, canceling all commercial departures from Ben Gurion Airport. The embassy highlighted that the security situation is volatile, warning that “mortars, rockets, missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system intrusions often occur without warning.”
Americans were advised to locate the nearest bomb shelter, monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow local authority instructions. The embassy also warned that U.S. personnel and their families could face travel restrictions within certain areas of Israel, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Similar advisories were issued in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, describing the situation as “regional hostilities.” Americans were told to keep supplies of food, water, and medications, maintain communication with family, and avoid large gatherings. Enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) was recommended for real-time updates.
In Qatar, the U.S. Embassy in Doha said, “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 were provided for urgent support.
Bahrain and Jordan issued similar alerts, urging Americans to remain in secure locations, keep phones charged, monitor local media, and follow local authorities’ instructions.
The advisories follow a major military operation by the U.S. and Israel against Iranian targets, triggered by concerns over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. In a video from his Florida golf club, President Donald Trump said the military was “destroying Iran’s missiles and missile industry” and described the strikes as necessary to counter “imminent threats.” Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, called the action a “preventive strike.”
Iranian state media reported that President Pezeshkian was safe, while the Fars News Agency confirmed seven missile impacts in Tehran’s Keshvardoost and Pasteur districts.
The U.S. Department of State reminded Americans that the situation remains fluid and advised vigilance, frequent updates from the State Department website, and readiness to adjust safety plans as conditions evolve.
