Supplemental Info:
Background
Iran has issued explicit public threats against sites mentioned in the US Embassy's alert below. This is not an isolated Saudi Arabia issue. Similar alerts are going out from embassies across the Middle East.
Hotels
Iranian officials and state media (including the IRGC and outlets like Fars News) have directly warned that five-star hotels and other accommodation sites used by or housing US military personnel, forces, or related individuals are considered "legitimate targets." This stems from reports that US troops have relocated from damaged military bases to hotels and civilian facilities across the Gulf region (including in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, etc.) to continue operations remotely. Similar warnings have extended to sites in Syria, Lebanon, Qatar, UAE, and others.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iran-says-hotels-housing-us-soldiers-in-region-will-be-targeted/articleshow/129841179.cms
US Businesses / US-Linked Sites
Iran has threatened to target facilities of US companies in the region, particularly if Iran perceives its own energy infrastructure as being hit. The IRGC has given deadlines and referenced lists of US businesses as potential targets. Tech companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta were among those specifically threatened.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/31/iran-threatens-to-target-us-owned-infrastructure-in-the-middle-east-00852120
Schools / Educational Sites
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has specifically threatened US-affiliated or American universities in the Middle East/West Asia. This came after reported US-Israeli strikes on Iranian universities, with the IRGC demanding the US condemn those attacks or face retaliation. They advised employees, professors, students, and nearby residents to stay at least a kilometer away from such campuses.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/iran-guards-threaten-to-hit-us-universities-in-west-asia/article70798750.ece
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Security Alert
U.S. Embassy Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
March 31, 2026
Location: Saudi Arabia
Event
There are changes to the shelter in place section in bold. There are no changes to the options to depart or embassy operations sections.
We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. If you want to leave the Middle East, the U.S. government is ready to assist by providing you the latest information about the departure options available. President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens.
If you choose to not take advantage of available commercial departure options, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Options to Depart
We encourage U.S. citizens to depart Saudi Arabia via commercial flights if you can do so safely. Saudi airspace remains open with frequent air traffic restrictions to address continued missile and drone threats. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports remain open and operational, but travelers are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline due to possible delays and cancellations.
We understand the airlines below have suspended some flight operations:
Lufthansa (including LH group airlines) and Eurowings suspended flights to/from Riyadh and Dammam through October 24, 2026;
KLM suspended Dammam/Riyadh flights to/from Dammam/Riyadh up to and including Sunday, May 17, 2026; and
Air France suspended flights until April 1, 2026.
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .
Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .
Shelter in Place
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has directed all U.S. government employees to shelter in place. We recommend all Americans in Saudi Arabia do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence or another structure, and stay away from windows.
U.S. citizens who remain in the Kingdom should heed the advice of the Saudi Arabia early warning system. At this time, the early warning system is not consistently reliable in providing timely warnings.
If you choose not to depart via commercial options, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
On March 8, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave due to sustained missile and drone threats targeting American and diplomatic interests in the Kingdom.
Essential employees remaining will continue under shelter-in-place status and are advised to avoid the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate Dhahran, and hotels. We recommend all Americans in the Kingdom do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence or another structure, and stay away from windows.
We are tracking reports of threats against locations where American citizens gather. We advise U.S. citizens that hotels and other gathering points including U.S. businesses and U.S. educational institutions may be potential targets.
On March 22, the Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution Security Alert advising Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.
Read the full Security Alert here:
https://sa.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-riyadh-saudi-arabia-march-31-2026/
