The US Embassy in Qatar has issued a “shelter in place” advisory to American citizens living in the country, urging them to stay indoors until further notice. The warning, delivered via email on Monday, was described as a measure taken “out of an abundance of caution,” though no specific threat was identified.
The advisory comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East following US airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran’s vows of retaliation. In response, institutions across Doha took swift precautionary measures. Texas A&M University ordered an evacuation, Northwestern University advised its community to return home, and the American School in Doha suspended all summer programmes.
Despite the heightened alert, Qatari authorities have reassured the public. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Ansari confirmed that the overall security situation remains stable and there is currently no indication of any imminent threat.
Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base—the largest US military installation in the Middle East—where an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 American troops are stationed. The base’s strategic importance, coupled with the broader regional conflict involving Israel and Iran, has likely influenced the embassy’s cautious stance.
The US State Department had earlier issued a global security alert for its citizens, warning of potential protests, travel disruptions, and temporary airspace closures across the Middle East as tensions continue to rise.