The U.S. Department of State has instructed American citizens in several Middle Eastern countries to shelter in place after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian facilities on Saturday, producing explosions and large smoke plumes in Tehran.
The advisory applies to Americans in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel, with embassy officials urging residents to remain indoors until further notice. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reported on X that Israeli authorities had closed civilian airspace and canceled all commercial flights from Ben Gurion Airport. The embassy described the security situation as volatile, warning of potential mortars, rockets, missile attacks, and drone incursions without warning.
Americans were advised to locate the nearest bomb shelter, monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow guidance from local authorities. Travel restrictions for U.S. government personnel and their families may be enforced without notice in areas including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Similar warnings were issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai, citing “regional hostilities” and urging citizens to maintain essential supplies, stay in touch with family, and avoid large gatherings. In Doha, the U.S. Embassy confirmed a shelter-in-place directive for personnel and recommended Americans follow suit, remain low-profile, and stay alert. Assistance lines, including an after-hours number (+974-4496-6000), were provided.
The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain and the Embassy in Amman issued comparable alerts, advising Americans to secure a safe location, keep communication devices charged, and contact local authorities if needed.
The warnings follow a major U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, described by President Donald Trump as necessary to counter “imminent threats” from Iranian missile and nuclear programs. Speaking from his Florida golf club, Trump stated the strikes would “obliterate” Iran’s missile capabilities and warned Iranian forces of “immunity or certain death.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called the action a “preventive strike.”
Iranian media reported that President Pezeshkian was unharmed, while the Fars News Agency confirmed seven missile impacts in Tehran’s Keshvardoost and Pasteur districts.
The U.S. Department of State emphasized that the situation remains fluid, advising Americans to monitor updates, identify nearby shelters, and be prepared to adjust plans as events unfold.