US orders shelter-in-place across Middle East after Iran strikes

The United States Department of State has ordered American personnel in several Middle Eastern countries to shelter in place following coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that triggered explosions and plumes of smoke in Tehran on Saturday.

The directive affects U.S. citizens and staff in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and Israel, among others, as embassies across the region warned of a volatile and rapidly changing security environment.

In Jerusalem, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced that Israeli authorities had closed the country’s airspace to civilian flights, with all commercial departures from Ben Gurion Airport cancelled. The embassy cautioned that mortars, rockets, missile fire and drone incursions could occur without warning, urging Americans to seek bomb shelters, monitor local media and follow instructions from local authorities.

It also warned that U.S. government personnel and their families could face sudden travel restrictions within Israel, including to sensitive areas such as the Old City of Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank.

In the UAE, the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai described the situation as “regional hostilities” and instructed Americans to remain indoors, stock up on food, water and medication, and avoid large gatherings. Citizens were advised to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program to receive real-time security updates.

Similar guidance was issued by the U.S. Embassy in Doha, which confirmed a shelter-in-place order for all personnel and urged Americans to keep a low profile and remain alert. In Bahrain, the U.S. Embassy directed citizens to stay in secure locations, keep communication devices charged and monitor breaking news.

The U.S. Embassy in Amman also advised Americans in Jordan to remain in secure locations and contact local emergency services if in immediate danger.

The sweeping advisories follow a major military operation by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian facilities, amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Speaking in a video posted from Florida, President Donald Trump said U.S. forces had begun “major combat operations in Iran,” vowing to destroy the country’s missile capabilities and naval assets. He described the strikes as necessary to counter what he called imminent threats.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, characterised the action as a preventive strike.

Iranian state media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian was “safe and sound,” while the semi-official Fars News Agency said multiple missile impacts were recorded in Tehran.

The State Department stressed that the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, urging Americans across the region to stay vigilant, know the location of the nearest shelters and be prepared to adjust their plans as developments unfold.