US shuts embassies after Iran drone strike targets Riyadh embassy
WASHINGTON, DC: The United States has closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait after drone strikes and escalating regional tensions following the joint US-Israeli bombardment of Iran.
The closures ordered on Monday, March 2, come amid retaliatory attacks by Tehran targeting American assets and regional allies.
The embassy in Riyadh issued a shelter-in-place order after Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry confirmed the diplomatic compound was struck by drones.
The US Embassy in Kuwait also announced it would shut down operations “until further notice,” citing ongoing security concerns.
Subject: Security Alert - Shelter in Place - U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (Mar. 3, 2026)
— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) March 3, 2026
Location: Saudi Arabia
Event: Security Alert
The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting…
Embassies close as retaliation intensifies
In a statement posted to X, the US Embassy in Riyadh cited a drone “attack on the facility” as the reason for its closure.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kuwait said, “Due to ongoing regional tensions, the US Embassy in Kuwait will be closed until further notice.”
“We have canceled all regular and emergency consular appointments. We will communicate when the embassy returns to normal operations,” the statement added.
The US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, also evacuated all personnel on Monday “due to a threat,” underscoring the widening security concerns across the region.
Iran has reportedly launched a barrage of strikes aimed at Gulf states that host US military bases. While many of the projectiles have been intercepted, the continued exchanges have heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kuwait Closure
— U.S. Embassy Kuwait (@USEmbassyQ8) March 3, 2026
Due to ongoing regional tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait will be closed until further notice. We have canceled all regular and emergency consular appointments. We will communicate when the embassy returns to normal operations.… pic.twitter.com/x3hJQXp51Q
Rising casualties and regional alarm
The crisis erupted after a joint US-Israeli strike inside Iran on Saturday that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a development that has jolted the region and intensified fears of a broader Middle East war.
Iranian authorities say the attacks have been devastating. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that at least 787 people have been killed in US and Israeli airstrikes so far, though those figures have not been independently confirmed.
Watch my message to American citizens in Israel and be sure to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important security updates directly. >> https://t.co/8fk1kydTB2 pic.twitter.com/r4IV0WQFEk
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) March 3, 2026
In Jerusalem, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said officials are unable to directly assist Americans trying to depart amid the instability, advising them instead to “remain calm and take shelter” as cross-border strikes continue.
***Security Alert: Threat of Imminent Missile / UAV Attacks Over Dhahran***
— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) March 3, 2026
**There is a threat of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran. Do not come to the U.S. Consulate.**
Take cover immediately in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows.…
In response to the deteriorating security situation, US embassies across the region have urged American citizens to leave immediately.
