Tehran faced significant gridlock on Saturday, February 28, 2026, as a result of coordinated airstrikes launched by Israel and the United States against Iran. In the aftermath of these military actions, the US State Department issued urgent advisories for American citizens across various Middle Eastern countries, instructing them to shelter in place.
Mora Namdar, the assistant secretary of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, emphasized the importance of staying informed by registering for alerts via step.state.gov. She urged Americans to follow the State Department’s WhatsApp channel for real-time security updates and to reach out for consular assistance if needed.
U.S. citizens residing in Iran, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar were specifically directed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel amid ongoing military operations. By the following day, similar advisories also extended to citizens in Iraq and Kuwait, with additional alerts advising those in Lebanon to prepare for possible sheltering requirements should conditions worsen.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced on Sunday that all American government employees and their families were ordered to shelter in place. Concurrently, Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights due to security fears.
The situation escalated further on Sunday when the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain warned Americans to avoid hotels in Manama, following reports of a strike on the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which resulted in injuries. The embassy highlighted the potential for future attacks on hotel facilities as risks increased.
On Monday, a continued assessment of the security environment led the US Department of State to advise citizens in Kuwait about the ongoing threat of missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacks. They stressed the need for heightened vigilance, advising against visiting the embassy and suggesting precautions such as taking cover in secure residence areas if necessary.
Travel updates from major airports in the region indicated widespread disruptions, with many facilities, including Dubai International Airport, suspending all flights until further notice. Reports of minor damage at the Dubai airport were confirmed, and attempts to monitor and respond to drone sightings were in effect.
In a video statement, President Donald Trump reaffirmed the intent of the strikes, stating they were aimed at neutralizing imminent threats from Iran, while expressing concerns about potential American casualties in the conflict.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the global community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures peace and security in the region while safeguarding the lives of innocent civilians.