The United States has shut its embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon after drone attacks and warned Americans to “depart now” from more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries signalling that military operations against Iran could intensify in the coming weeks.
US shuts Gulf embassies after drone attacks
The US State Department on Tuesday closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon after drone attacks targeted diplomatic facilities, as Iran expanded retaliatory strikes against American and allied interests across the region.
The US Embassy in Riyadh sustained minor damage after what Saudi authorities said appeared to be two drones struck the compound. A day earlier, a drone attack caused a fire at the US Embassy compound in Kuwait, according to US officials who were not authorised to speak publicly.
Separately, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned of “imminent” missile and UAV threats over Dhahran. In a post on X, it said, “There is a threat of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran. Do not come to the US Consulate. Take cover immediately in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside. The US Consulate in Dhahran urges US citizens in Dhahran to shelter in place, review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks. US Consulate personnel are sheltering in place.”
Authorities advised residents to seek shelter if they hear sirens or explosions and warned that even intercepted projectiles could produce dangerous debris.
‘Depart now’: Americans told to leave 14 countries
Washington has urged US citizens to “depart now” from 14 countries across the Middle East, citing “serious safety risks.” The advisory covers Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, along with Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Yemen and the Palestinian territories.
The State Department also ordered nonessential staff and their families to evacuate from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.
Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar said Americans should use available commercial transport and contact emergency consular lines if they need assistance.
The alert comes as hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran spill across borders, with missile and drone attacks reported in Israel and at US-linked facilities in Gulf states.
Trump signals wider war, does not rule out ground troops
US President Donald Trump indicated that the military campaign against Iran could last weeks and potentially escalate further.
“We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn't even happened,” Trump said, adding, “The big one is coming soon.”
He also declined to rule out deploying American ground forces. “I don't have the yips with respect to boots on the ground,” he said. “Every president says, 'There will be no boots on the ground.' I don't say it.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that “the hardest hits are yet to come from the U.S. military.”
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “We'll go as far as we need to go,” while insisting the conflict would not resemble past US interventions in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Conflict widens across Gulf and Levant
The fighting has broadened beyond Iran and Israel. Qatar said its air force shot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers approaching its airspace, marking the first reported use of Iranian warplanes in the conflict.
Saudi Arabia said drones targeted the Ras Tanura oil refinery, though air defences intercepted them. There have also been reported attacks on infrastructure in Dubai, including its international airport and commercial facilities.
A senior official with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that “not a single drop of oil” would pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Shipping traffic through the strait has slowed sharply amid rising threats.
Mounting casualties and market turmoil
The Pentagon said the number of US service members killed in Iranian strikes has risen to six. Iranian authorities say more than 550 people have died in US and Israeli strikes since the start of hostilities. Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 31 deaths, while Israel has confirmed at least 10 fatalities. Gulf states have also reported casualties.
Financial markets have reacted sharply. Brent crude surged above $80 a barrel, its highest level since 2024, while natural gas prices have roughly doubled since the conflict began. Equity markets in Asia and Europe fell steeply, and US stocks were set to open lower.
American universities with campuses in the Middle East have shifted classes online or suspended operations amid security concerns.
Diplomatic fallout
Trump was scheduled to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Washington, with discussions expected to focus on the escalating crisis.
As embassies shut, civilians evacuate and military rhetoric intensifies, the central question remains whether Washington is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Tehran. With Trump warning of a coming “big wave” of strikes and refusing to rule out boots on the ground, the region appears braced for further escalation.
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