'Take cover': US embassies sound alarm as Iran's attacks threaten Americans across Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC: US embassies across the Middle East issued urgent security warnings to American citizens, advising heightened caution and, in some cases, immediate departure, as Iran stepped up retaliatory attacks against US bases and allies following joint US-Israeli strikes.

The US Embassy in Beirut urged US citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flights remain available, warning that the security situation is “volatile and unpredictable.”

Embassies warn of missile and drone threats

In Manama, the US Embassy in Bahrain told Americans to “exercise caution and maintain vigilance,” citing continued missile and drone attacks launched from Iran.

The embassy specifically warned that hotels could be targeted and advised US citizens to avoid hotels in the capital.

The US Embassy in Kuwait said there was a “continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks,” urging Americans not to travel to the embassy and to shelter indoors.

“Take cover in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside,” the advisory said.

The US Embassy in Jordan warned that missiles, drones, or rockets could continue to pass through Jordan’s airspace in the coming days. Americans were advised to remain indoors and avoid exposure to falling debris.

Casualties reported in UAE from Iranian strikes

The escalating conflict has placed millions of foreign workers in Israel and the Gulf at risk as Iran retaliates for the US-Israeli strike that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to US officials.

The United Arab Emirates reported three deaths after Iranian strikes on US allies in the Gulf, victims from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

In Israel, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said that a Filipino woman working as a caregiver in Tel Aviv was killed by shrapnel while trying to move her ward to a bomb shelter.

Millions of foreign workers at risk as evacuations considered

According to the International Labor Organization, more than 24 million foreign workers were employed across the Gulf as of 2019.

Many come from South and Southeast Asia, working in construction, healthcare, and domestic labor while sending most of their earnings back home.

Countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand have urged their citizens to shelter in place, while saying contingency plans are underway for possible evacuations and repatriation if the security situation deteriorates further.

The government of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, said on Monday that both of its major airports would reopen later in the day.

"Dubai Airports announces a limited resumption of flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) starting this evening," the Dubai government said on its official X account.

Dubai International Airport is the world's busiest commercial aviation hub by passenger volume, with some 95.2 million people transiting through the airport last year, according to Dubai Airports.