U.S. Embassy in Qatar issuesd a shelter in place order for American citizens following Israeli military strikes on Iran.
Image: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has implemented a shelter-in-place directive for all its personnel, citing security concerns, and is advising American citizens in the country to take similar precautions until further notice.
The directive comes amid fears of wider conflict after Israel launched pre‑emptive military action against Iran’s facilities early Saturday, in what officials described as an effort to eliminate perceived threats to national security.
The embassy’s advisory warned U.S. citizens of the volatile situation and outlined steps to protect their safety.
“The U.S. Embassy in Qatar is implementing a shelter‑in‑place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice,” The Embassy said, urging people to find “a secure location within your residence or another safe building” and to maintain supplies of food, water, medications, and other essentials.
In its guidance, the embassy also advised Americans to “avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings,” while keeping phones charged and communications open with family and friends about their status.
It encouraged enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates on security conditions in Qatar.
The alert follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of major U.S. military operations against Iran.
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,” said Trump in a video posted to his Truth Social account on X.
Trump described Iran as a long-standing threat to the United States and its allies, noting decades of attacks on American forces and support for militant groups.
He cited the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, the attack on the USS Cole, and Iran’s backing of Hamas in its October 7 attacks on Israel that killed over 1,000 people, including 46 Americans.
He warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions posed a direct threat.
“It has always been the policy of the United States, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I'll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump said U.S. forces had already targeted Iran’s nuclear sites in Operation Midnight Hammer and vowed that the current military operation would “destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground, annihilate their navy and ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”
Trump also addressed the Iranian people directly, urging them to lay down their arms and stay sheltered.
“To the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
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