As tensions continue to escalate between the United States, Israel, and Iran, the security situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating. On Monday (March 23), the US Embassy in the Omani capital, Muscat, issued a severe shelter-in-place security alert for the entire country of Oman in response to the ongoing military conflict.
The US Embassy in Oman’s warning advised all American citizens and related personnel in Oman to immediately take protective measures by seeking shelter in their residences, hotels, or other secure buildings. The alert emphasized that evacuees should stock up on an ample supply of food, drinking water, medications, and other essential items, and stay away from windows.
The warning explicitly stated, “In the event of an attack, it is crucial to stay away from any building wreckage, and closely monitor official media for the latest instructions.” Although the embassy later lifted the mandatory shelter-in-place restriction for the capital city of Muscat, embassy personnel are still strictly confined to a radius of 50 kilometers, with the evacuation recommendations remaining in effect for the rest of Oman.
This alert comes on the 24th day since the US and Israel declared war on Iran. In fact, the US State Department issued an order on March 13 for all non-emergency US government employees and their families to evacuate Oman. With the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announcing a large-scale attack on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters and ballistic missile development facilities in Tehran on Monday, threats of retaliation from Iran have followed.
According to the semi-official Fars News Agency in Iran, citing informed sources, Iran has prepared a “special plan” for Tel Aviv and US regional allies, intending to completely eliminate any “aggressor” negotiation fantasies. In response, US embassies in multiple Middle Eastern countries have raised their alert levels.
Oman is in close proximity to the world’s most critical maritime chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 20% of global oil shipments pass through this region, and its stability directly affects the global energy market’s security. Iran has hinted that even if the conflict subsides, the situation in the strait may not return to its pre-war status.
At present, the US Embassy urges all individuals in Oman to stay connected through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). There is widespread concern that if Iran launches a “special plan” against US and Israeli allies, critical infrastructure and foreign personnel in Oman could face direct threats.