U.S. Orders Diplomatic Staff to Leave Saudi Arabia Amid Iran War

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States State Department has issued an “ordered departure” directive, compelling non-emergency diplomatic personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia immediately, as the ongoing conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran continues to escalate across the Middle East.

Background: The Iran War Escalation

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran under “Operation Epic Fury,” targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command and control facilities, air defense systems, missile launch sites, and military airfields. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. In retaliation, Iran has been launching drone and missile attacks across the Gulf region — with Saudi Arabia becoming a direct target.

U.S. Embassy in Riyadh Struck by Iranian Drones

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that two Iranian drones struck the U.S. Embassy compound in Riyadh, causing a limited fire and partial roof collapse. No American casualties were reported, though a CIA station within the embassy complex was confirmed hit. The embassy was subsequently closed to the public. Saudi air defenses also intercepted another drone targeting Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. In response, the State Department issued a shelter-in-place order for American personnel in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.

What Is an “Ordered Departure”?

An “ordered departure” is one of the most severe measures in the U.S. State Department’s crisis management toolkit. Unlike a voluntary advisory, it compels non-essential employees and their families to leave the host country. On March 3, 2026, the State Department officially authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia, citing serious safety risks following the onset of U.S.-Iran hostilities.

Region-Wide Diplomatic Drawdown

Saudi Arabia is not alone. The State Department has ordered the mandatory departure of non-emergency personnel from six Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. U.S. embassies in Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia have been closed to the public. The remaining embassies in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and UAE are operating with significantly reduced staff. This represents the largest U.S. diplomatic drawdown in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War.

Americans in the Region Urged to Leave Immediately

The State Department issued a “worldwide caution” alert — its first since June 2025 — urging all American citizens to depart from 15 countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen, and the West Bank and Gaza. However, the departure process has been complicated by widespread airport closures and airspace disruptions across the region, with major carriers including Lufthansa, Air India, and Air Canada suspending flights.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that charter and military flights are being arranged from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Over 9,000 Americans had safely departed the region by early March, with the State Department waiving reimbursement requirements for government-assisted evacuation costs.

📞 Emergency Contact Numbers for U.S. Citizens Abroad:

From abroad: +1-202-501-4444

From the U.S. and Canada: +1-888-407-4747