US diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Jerusalem issued new security alerts between Friday night, 6 November, and the early hours of Saturday 7 November 2026. The alerts say the Islamic Republic and groups it backs, including Yemen's Houthis, may target US interests.
In a message dated 7 November, the US embassy in Riyadh urged American citizens in the region to stay alert and prepare for flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption. The embassy warned that companies and institutions linked to Americans elsewhere in the world could also be targeted. The US embassy in Jerusalem asked its citizens to locate the nearest shelter and install the Israeli Home Front Command alert app; its consular services continue as normal.
Intelligence memo on Islamic Republic plots
An unclassified memo dated 23 October, an image of which was published by Axios, says the US Director of National Intelligence informed Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the Islamic Republic's efforts to target Americans have increased significantly. According to the memo, some deadly plots in the Middle East and several other countries have reached advanced stages. The public version of the memo does not disclose the names of targeted officials, the likely timing of attacks or operational details.
Since 23 October the State Department has ordered non-emergency government staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, and it has kept its travel advisory for the country at level three, "Reconsider travel".
Background to the alerts
The alerts were issued after Donald Trump said, following a meeting of his national security team, that he will soon decide whether to resume the war, and after the US military asked Iranians to stay away from IRGC positions. The Islamic Republic has a long record of plotting to assassinate US officials and its own opponents abroad; the State Department earlier offered a reward for information on the man behind the plot to assassinate John Bolton.
US intelligence says some of the Islamic Republic's deadly plots against Americans have reached advanced stages.
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