United States Orders All Staff to Leave Saudi Arabia

The United States government has ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, effective Monday, 9 March 2026, as conflict in the Middle East escalates following strikes by the US and Israel against Iran.

The US Embassy in Riyadh cited increased risks from armed conflict, terrorism, and missile and drone attacks not only from Iran but also from Yemen, where Iranian proxy Houthi forces operate.

“Ordering non-emergency US government employees and family members of US government employees to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks,” stated an announcement from the US State Department.

This marks the first evacuation order issued by Washington in Saudi Arabia since the conflict began. Previously, the US had permitted non-essential staff to depart but had not mandated their departure.

The order reflects ongoing concerns about the escalating war. US President Donald Trump has warned that he is prepared for war to continue for several more weeks, and Tehran has indicated it is prepared to respond.

“Warning American citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia,” the State Department added.

Prior to this directive, a drone struck the US Embassy in Riyadh last week. Drones also caused damage to US embassies in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia reported two deaths and 12 injuries when a projectile landed in Al Kharj province. Iran has vowed to seek retaliation following American and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring countries on Saturday for the attacks but stated that Iran would be “forced to retaliate” if those countries were used to attack Iran.