US Shuts Embassies as Iran War Intensifies

The U.S. has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency government personnel from embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was also closed after being struck by two Iranian drones, which caused a small fire and minor damage. In Kuwait, the embassy suspended all services and will remain closed until further notice. The conflict, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury," began on February 28, 2026, with joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran. These initial strikes were a decapitation attack targeting Iran's senior leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the attack. The U.S. and Israel have since conducted over 1,000 strikes targeting military and internal security sites. In retaliation, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. military bases and assets across the Gulf region. Targets have been hit in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. The U.S. Fifth Fleet service center in Bahrain was struck by an Iranian missile. President Trump’s stated goals for the military operation have evolved. Initially, he suggested the aim was regime change, urging the Iranian people to "take back your country." The administration later asserted the objective was to dismantle Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs to eliminate an "intolerable threat." The timeline for the conflict also remains fluid. President Trump initially projected the operation could last four to five weeks but has since stated it could go on longer to achieve its objectives. This has drawn concern from some U.S. lawmakers about the potential for a prolonged and open-ended war. The international community has reacted with caution, with many nations urging restraint. The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting, and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned of the increasing risk to nuclear safety in the region. While Australia and Canada have expressed support for the U.S. and Israeli strikes, Russia and China have directly criticized the military action. The conflict has expanded to include other regional actors. The Iran-backed group Hezbollah has launched attacks on Israel from Lebanon, prompting Israeli ground troops to enter Lebanon in response. Iran has also attempted to disrupt international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The human cost of the conflict is rising. The Iranian Red Crescent has reported at least 787 people killed in Iran. The U.S. military has confirmed six American service members have been killed by Iranian fire in Kuwait. Civilian casualties have also been reported in Israel and Lebanon.