US ORDERS CITIZENS TO SHELTER IN PLACE ACROSS MIDDLE EAST AFTER STRIKES ON IRAN

The United States Department of State has ordered American personnel across parts of the Middle East to shelter in place following coordinated U.S.–Israel strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday.

The military action reportedly triggered explosions and plumes of smoke in Tehran, escalating regional tensions and prompting urgent security advisories for U.S. citizens.

Airspace Closed in Israel

In a statement posted on X, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem confirmed that the Government of Israel had closed its airspace to all civilian traffic.

“All commercial flights from Ben Gurion Airport have been cancelled,” the embassy said, warning that the security environment remains volatile.

Officials cautioned that mortars, rockets, missile fire and unmanned aircraft system intrusions can occur without warning, stressing that the situation could change rapidly.

Americans in Israel were urged to locate the nearest bomb shelter or protected space, avoid demonstrations and monitor local media for updates. Embassy personnel and their families may also face travel restrictions, particularly to sensitive areas such as the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Similar advisories were issued in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate described the unfolding situation as “regional hostilities”, instructing Americans to remain indoors, stock up on food, water and essential medication, and maintain communication with family members.

Citizens were also encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) to receive real-time security updates.

In Doha, the U.S. Embassy in Doha confirmed that a shelter-in-place order had been implemented for all personnel. Americans were advised to avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile and remain aware of their surroundings. An emergency assistance line, including +974-4496-6000, was made available for urgent support.

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Embassy in Bahrain issued comparable guidance, urging citizens to remain in secure locations, keep phones charged and follow breaking news through trusted local media sources.

Jordan Issues Emergency Guidance

In Amman, the U.S. Embassy advised Americans to remain in secure locations and keep essential supplies at hand. Citizens facing immediate danger were told to contact Jordanian police by dialling 911 and to strictly adhere to local authorities’ instructions.

Trump Defends Military Operation

The advisories follow what has been described as a major joint operation by the United States and Israel against Iranian military infrastructure.

Speaking in a video posted from his Florida golf club, President Donald Trump said U.S. forces had begun “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,” Trump said, describing the strikes as a response to “imminent threats”.

He added that the Iranian military faced “immunity or certain death”, stating that “the hour of your freedom is at hand”.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz characterised the operation as a “preventive strike”.

Tehran Reports Missile Impacts

Iranian state television reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian was “safe and sound” following the attacks.
Meanwhile, the Fars News Agency confirmed seven missile impacts in Tehran’s Keshvardoost and Pasteur districts.

Situation Remains Fluid

The State Department emphasised that the security environment across the region remains fluid and uncertain.