The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai canceled all consular appointments between July 13-15 due to heightened security threats in the region. In a security alert issued on Monday, the embassy stated that American citizens with appointments on those dates should not come to the embassy or consulate, and that they would be contacted for rescheduling.
The diplomatic mission confirmed that the "ordered departure" status, under which non-emergency US government personnel have been relocated out of the United Arab Emirates, remains in effect. Under this status, only limited emergency consular assistance is provided to US citizens, while all routine visa services nationwide have been suspended. Citizens needing passport or other emergency consular services were asked to contact the embassy via the US Citizen Services Navigator.
The embassy also urged Americans to closely monitor security developments, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), keep emergency supplies, have travel documents ready, and follow the instructions of local authorities. During any airstrike, it was advised to stay away from windows and glass.
The heightened security measures came after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking two Emirati tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, the national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles while sailing in the southern shipping lane of the strategic waterway within Omani territorial waters. One Indian crew member was killed in the attack, and eight others were injured, four seriously. The ministry condemned the attack, describing it as "a grave violation of international law and a clear breach threatening regional security and stability."
This development followed another overnight operation by US Central Command (CENTCOM) against Iran. CENTCOM confirmed it conducted a five-hour air campaign targeting missile sites, coastal defense systems, drone facilities, and naval assets in southern Iran. The strikes are the latest in a renewed escalation of conflict after the collapse of a previous ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that a blockade on Iranian ports would be reimposed starting Tuesday, and a 20 percent fee would be levied on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the measure would help fund US efforts to secure the vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints, carried about one-fifth of global oil shipments before the conflict began. The renewed military clashes and growing threats to commercial shipping have heightened concerns over global energy supply and regional stability, prompting governments and diplomatic missions across the Gulf to tighten security measures.
