The U.S. Embassy in Qatar, seen here in this undated photo, issued a statement advising all Americans in the country to shelter in place until further notice. Qatar is home to Al Udeid Air Base, which is one of the largest U.S. military installations in the Middle East and also acts as forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command and Air Forces Central Command. (Courtesy photo/State Department)
U.S. embassies in Qatar and Bahrain said its personnel are sheltering in place and advised all Americans in the region to do the same after a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran’s capital early Saturday morning.
The alerts advised U.S. citizens to find a secure location within their residence or another safe building, along with a supply of food, water, medication and other essential items.
They should also avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile and be aware of their surroundings, the embassies said.
The security alerts went out minutes after Israel confirmed it had attacked Tehran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also declared a state of emergency in the country, advising residents there to prepare for the possibility of incoming missiles. The U.S. Embassy in Israel had already authorized departure for non-essential personnel and their families on Friday.
The United States is participating in the strikes, The Associated Press reported, citing a U.S. official and a person familiar with the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to detail sensitive military operations.
The strike on Iran represents a significant escalation in tensions that have been simmering in the region for weeks. Bilateral talks over Iran’s nuclear program have failed to progress as the U.S. has steadily amassed more naval and airpower in the Middle East.
Leaders in Washington and Tehran met for six hours in Geneva on Thursday for the latest round of talks, once again leaving without a resolution.
