Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Mar 3: The United States has shut its embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait following drone attacks and urged Americans to “depart now” from more than a dozen Middle Eastern nations, signalling a possible escalation of military operations against Iran.
The US State Department on Tuesday closed the two embassies after drone strikes targeted diplomatic facilities as Iran widened retaliatory attacks against American and allied interests in the region.
The US Embassy in Riyadh sustained minor damage after what Saudi authorities said were two drones striking the compound. A day earlier, a drone attack caused a fire inside the US Embassy compound in Kuwait, according to American officials.
Separately, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned of “imminent” missile and UAV threats over Dhahran and advised citizens to shelter in place, avoid the US Consulate and take cover on the lowest floor away from windows. Authorities also cautioned that even intercepted projectiles could generate dangerous debris.
Washington has issued a “depart now” advisory for 14 countries across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Yemen and the Palestinian territories. Nonessential US personnel and families have been ordered to evacuate from several Gulf nations.
The warning comes as hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran spill across borders, with missile and drone attacks reported in Israel and at US-linked facilities in Gulf states.
Trump signals escalation
US President Donald Trump indicated the campaign against Iran could last weeks and potentially intensify further.
“We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn't even happened,” Trump said, adding that he would not rule out deploying American ground forces.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that “the hardest hits are yet to come,” while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US would go “as far as we need to go,” though he maintained the conflict would not mirror past wars in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The fighting has expanded beyond Iran and Israel. Qatar reported shooting down two Iranian Su-24 bombers near its airspace. Saudi Arabia said drones targeted the Ras Tanura oil refinery, though they were intercepted. There were also reports of strikes on infrastructure in Dubai.
An Iranian Revolutionary Guard official warned that no oil would pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route that carries nearly one-fifth of global oil supply. Shipping traffic has slowed significantly amid mounting threats.
The Pentagon said US military fatalities from Iranian strikes have risen to six. Iranian authorities claim more than 550 people have died in US and Israeli attacks, while Lebanon and Israel have also reported casualties. Gulf states have confirmed additional deaths.
Global markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude rising above $80 a barrel, its highest since 2024, and natural gas prices nearly doubling since the conflict began. Stock markets across Asia and Europe declined, and US futures pointed to a weak opening.
With embassies closing, evacuation advisories in place and rhetoric intensifying, questions remain over whether Washington is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Tehran as the region braces for further escalation.