As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate following a military confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, several diplomatic missions in the region have modified operations, suspended services, or taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of staff and citizens.

The changes reflect ongoing security risks from missile and drone strikes affecting multiple Gulf countries. Here is a look at some of the action that has taken place in the last few hours.

US Embassy in Kuwait suspends operations

The US Embassy in Kuwait City suspended its operations ‘until further notice,’ citing ongoing regional tensions and threats from missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks.

The mission has canceled all regular and emergency consular appointments and urged residents to stay away from the embassy area for safety reasons.

This move comes amid confirmed reports of smoke rising near the embassy compound following regional attacks, and serious security alerts instructing personnel and the public to shelter in place. 

US Embassy in Riyadh hit by drone strikes

In Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, two drones struck the US Embassy compound, causing a small fire and minor material damage. No injuries were reported as the building was unoccupied at the time.

Following the incident, the US Embassy issued shelter-in-place advisories for American citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran and cautioned against approaching embassy properties due to ongoing security concerns. 

Personnel relocations and travel advisories

Across multiple Middle Eastern countries, the US State Department repeatedly urged non-emergency government personnel and family members to depart due to security risks. These directives include locations such as Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others — highlighting the severity of the threat. 

In several cases, diplomatic missions have reduced services or suspended in-person operations, even if not formally closed, while continuing to provide critical travel advisories and safety guidance.

US embassy in Iraq orders government employees to leave country

The diplomatic mission updated its travel advisory in Iraq, ordering non-emergency US government employees to leave the country ‘due to security reasons.’

It also said US government personnel in Baghdad were prohibited from using the city’s international airport over security risks.

 United Arab Emirates closes Tehran Embassy

The UAE closed its embassy in Tehran and recalled its ambassador and staff in response to Iranian attacks on Emirati territory.

 United Kingdom withdraws staff from Tehran

The British government temporarily withdrew staff from its mission in Tehran, transitioning operations to remote functions due to security concerns.

 Canada closes embassy in Riyadh

The Canadian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said it was closing today ‘due to the current security situation’ and said that all in-person appointments are cancelled through Friday, March 6.

Note: The situation remains extremely fluid and actions taken by diplomatic missions are evolving rapidly. Readers are encouraged to consult official embassy statements and government travel advisories for the most current guidance.

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