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The U.S. State Department on Tuesday ordered the mandatory departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from six Middle Eastern countries, citing escalating security concerns after the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia was struck by two Iranian drones.
Officials are also urging Americans across the region to leave as soon as possible, though shuttered airports and limited transportation options have complicated departures. Those unable to leave have been instructed to shelter in place as Iran intensifies retaliatory strikes following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks.
The department established a task force to assist U.S. citizens after weekend strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran — and Tehran’s response. But as embassies and consulates suspend routine and emergency services, Americans remaining in the region face diminishing options.
Regional Travel Disruptions
Major transit hubs — including Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates — were among facilities reportedly hit in strikes, according to The Associated Press. Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha serve as critical connectors between Europe, Africa and Asia, and closures have stranded thousands of travelers.
In a video posted to X, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the department’s top priority is the safety of Americans abroad and provided contact information for those seeking help.
But a recorded message on the hotline cautioned callers not to rely on U.S. government evacuation assistance at this time, stating there were no active evacuation points.
Later Tuesday, State Department officials said they were working to arrange charter and military flights and had been in contact with nearly 3,000 Americans overseas. More than 130 U.S. citizens have departed with assistance so far, and roughly 100 additional departures were expected Tuesday, officials said.
Embassies Operating on Limited Staff
U.S. embassies in Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are now operating with reduced personnel. The embassy in Saudi Arabia closed after the drone strike, which caused limited damage and no reported injuries.
In Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the UAE, embassies warned of potential additional drone or missile attacks. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait closed and advised Americans to remain indoors, taking cover on lower floors away from windows amid ongoing threats.
The State Department issued a “worldwide caution” alert Saturday — its first since June 22, 2025 — following U.S. intervention in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
Expanding Conflict
President Donald Trump has suggested the conflict could last a month or longer. U.S. and Israeli forces have struck Iranian military targets, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command facilities, air defenses, missile launch sites and airfields. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks along with several senior officials.
Iran’s Red Crescent reported nearly 800 fatalities from Israeli and American strikes. Six U.S. service members have been killed in action, and 11 people were killed in Israel in Iranian retaliatory attacks.
In Bahrain, following a strike near a Crowne Plaza hotel in Manama, U.S. officials warned Americans to avoid hotels, citing concerns they could become targets. Consular services in multiple countries, including Iraq and Qatar, have been suspended.
In Israel, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said it was not in a position to evacuate or directly assist Americans departing the country.
Officials continue urging Americans in affected areas to monitor security alerts and depart if safe routes become available.
