Middle East Conflict Spreads, Travelers Urged to Leave

The United States has told citizens in six Gulf countries that they must leave immediately because of growing danger. The warning comes after Washington and Israel carried out strikes against Iranian targets, sparking a wave of retaliatory attacks across the region. Embassies in Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are asking all non‑essential staff to depart. Some missions will stay open but only with a core team, while others are shutting down until the situation eases. Flights have been cut back sharply, making evacuation difficult for many people. In the days since the military action began, Iranian drones and missiles have hit U. S. diplomatic compounds in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Gulf states. The U. S. Embassy in Riyadh was struck twice by suspected Iranian drones, and the Kuwait embassy also suffered an attack. These incidents prompted shelters‑in‑place orders for staff and citizens alike, with officials urging those who can leave to do so by commercial flight. The U. S. has not yet organized evacuation flights for Americans, adding to the uncertainty. Iran’s foreign ministry has accused the U. S. and Israel of targeting civilian sites, citing attacks on a girls’ school in Minab that killed over 160 students and a hospital in Tehran. The World Health Organization is investigating the hospital strike, while U. S. military spokespeople say they are looking into reports of civilian harm. Iran’s retaliatory strikes have also damaged airports, hotels and energy facilities in Bahrain, Dubai, Qatar and other Gulf capitals, undermining the region’s reputation as a safe travel hub.The conflict has sparked protests across the United States, with crowds in cities like Boston, New York and Los Angeles chanting against U. S. involvement in Iran. Demonstrators have called for an end to the war and warned that foreign military action can provoke widespread instability. In Iran, residents describe living in constant fear of bombings, and experts warn that the country could descend into internal conflict if external pressures continue. Israel has stepped up its presence in southern Lebanon, taking control of additional positions to deter attacks on border communities. The Israeli Defense Forces claim they are not launching a ground invasion, but their expanded forward posture signals heightened tension. Meanwhile, Iran has threatened to attack any ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint that carries about 20% of global oil. China has urged all parties to stop hostilities and maintain safe navigation, stressing the economic implications of a closed strait. Governments worldwide, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, are advising their citizens to avoid travel to the region. Flights have been cancelled or rerouted in and out of Gulf countries, leaving Americans with limited options for exit. The U. S. Embassy in Riyadh has canceled all consular services, and the Saudi defense ministry reports that drones were intercepted near Riyadh earlier in the week. These developments highlight how quickly airspace over the Middle East can become restricted during a conflict.