US Embassy in Oman issues shelter-in-place advisory amid regional escalation

ISTANBUL

The US Embassy in Oman issued a shelter-in-place advisory late Monday for Americans in the Gulf country amid escalating tensions due to US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

In a notice on the US social media company X’s platform, the embassy urged American citizens “to find a secure location within your residence or another safe building” and to ensure they have “a supply of food, water, medications and other essential items.”

The advisory called for maintaining “communication with family and friends to inform them of your status” and keeping “travel documents up to date and easily accessible.”

“In case of an attack, stay away from any debris and monitor news outlets for official guidance,” the embassy said, urging people to “pay close attention to communications from local officials.”

The embassy further advised citizens to “avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings,” while encouraging them to “enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” for updates.

Later, the embassy lifted the shelter-in-place guidance for the capital Muscat.

"Embassy personnel are restricted to movement within 50 kms around U.S. Embassy Muscat. Shelter in place guidance remains for the rest of Oman due to ongoing activity," it said.

A regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,340 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

*Diyar Guldogan from Washington, DC contributed to this report