US embassies warn citizens to depart Middle East

On August 1, 2026, US embassies across the Middle East issued a coordinated security alert urging American citizens to consider departing or be prepared to depart due to the risk of an 'unforeseen escalation' in the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The alert, posted by missions in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, advised citizens to prepare for flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. It followed President Donald Trump's threat to hit Iran 'very hard' and came amid renewed exchanges of fire after a brief lull. The US Embassy in Beirut remained on ordered departure status. In Jordan, the government denied any evacuation of Aqaba airport and seaport, stating they were operating normally. The conflict, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has escalated with Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region, including a drone strike on a US-owned gas vessel in Egypt and an unknown projectile hitting a tanker off Oman. Iran has maintained control over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and shipping traffic has dropped sharply. Israel reported killing three Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Iran's military accused Washington of escalating tensions and warned that any country serving as a defensive shield for America would be engulfed by the flames of war.