US Embassy urges American citizens to consider leaving Saudi Arabia amid Iran war

2026-03-19 - 10:49

The US Embassy in Riyadh urged American citizens on Thursday to consider leaving Saudi Arabia "if you can do so safely," citing ongoing escalation in the region. In a security alert posted on X, the embassy said it is "closely monitoring" the situation in the Middle East and is providing updates to help US citizens make informed decisions about their safety. Commercial flights advised "We encourage US citizens to depart Saudi Arabia via commercial flights if you can do so safely," it said. The statement noted that Saudi airspace remains open "with frequent air traffic restrictions to address continued missile and drone threats." "Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports remain open and operational, but travelers are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline due to possible delays and cancellations," it added. Warning system reliability For those who choose to remain in Saudi Arabia, the embassy urged adherence to guidance from the Kingdom's early warning system, while cautioning that it is not consistently reliable in providing timely alerts. The warning reflects the elevated risk environment in Gulf countries that have been repeatedly targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes. Conflict context Regional escalation continues to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing around 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 150 schoolgirls. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation. Gulf under fire Saudi Arabia has been among the most frequently targeted Gulf states, with its air defenses intercepting hundreds of missiles and drones aimed at US military installations and critical infrastructure. The US Embassy's evacuation advisory underscores the severity of the threat environment as the conflict shows no signs of abating.