US suspends embassy operations in Kuwait City amid regional turmoil

2026-03-05 - 21:42

The United States temporarily closed its diplomatic mission in Kuwait City on Thursday, citing escalating security concerns as Iran's retaliatory campaign against American assets in the Gulf region continues to expand. The State Department announced the suspension of embassy operations while confirming that no US personnel had been injured in recent attacks, though officials emphasized that the safety of Americans abroad remains the department's highest priority. Americans urged to depart or shelter In an official advisory, the State Department maintained its Level 3 travel warning for Kuwait, urging US citizens to "reconsider travel" to the Gulf nation. Americans currently in the country were advised to depart using commercial or other available transportation if they can do so safely, while those unable to leave were instructed to shelter in place. The guidance reflects the deteriorating security environment across the Gulf as Iranian drone and missile strikes increasingly target facilities associated with American military presence. Rubio conveys condolences to Kuwait Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, during which he expressed condolences for Kuwaiti soldiers killed in recent attacks. According to a State Department readout, Rubio also thanked Kuwait for its response to threats emanating from Iran, underscoring the close coordination between Washington and Gulf allies amid the widening confrontation. The diplomatic engagement highlights the strain on regional partners as they navigate their security relationships with the United States while facing direct Iranian retaliation. Conflict claims mounting casualties The suspension of embassy operations comes as the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, launched Feb. 28, continues to exact a heavy toll. Over 900 individuals have been killed in the strikes, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and at least 165 schoolgirls. Tehran has responded with waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American-linked sites throughout Gulf Cooperation Council nations. Over the weekend, a drone strike in Kuwait struck a tactical operations center, killing six US service members and dramatically illustrating the direct threat to American personnel stationed in the region.