The US Embassy in Qatar issued a security warning on Monday, June 23rd, urging American citizens in Qatar to “immediately shelter in place until further notice.”
In a statement on its website, the embassy stated: “Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that American citizens shelter in place immediately until further notice.” However, it did not provide further details on the reasons behind the warning. The day before this warning was issued, the State Department issued a global security alert, citing heightened tensions between the US and Iran leading to flight disruptions and airspace closures across the Middle East, and cautioning American citizens worldwide to remain vigilant against potential demonstrations and attacks targeting US interests.
According to Newsweek, the notification from the US Embassy in Qatar is related to concerns over potential Iranian retaliation against US forces, particularly targeting military bases in the Middle East. The US Department of Defense reiterated on June 23rd that they are closely monitoring all regional threats.
Despite the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran has not retaliated against US military bases or disrupted shipping in the Persian Gulf, leading to doubts about its actual capabilities to respond effectively.
Qatar is one of the Gulf countries with the most formal security agreements with the US and is home to the largest US airbase in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base. The US State Department describes the base as “critical” for US military operations in the region. In 2023, a secret agreement was reached to extend the US military presence at Al Udeid Air Base for another ten years, and in the same year, the 1992 defense cooperation agreement with Qatar was revised to deepen the military partnership between the two countries.
In 2022, the Biden administration designated Qatar as a “Major Non-NATO Ally,” highlighting its crucial role in US global military strategy.
Majed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated earlier on Monday that the US Embassy’s warning did not indicate any specific threats.
He emphasized that the security situation in Qatar is “stable,” and Qatar is ready to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors.
Al Ansari had previously stated last week that Qatari officials are in daily contact with the US, actively coordinating to de-escalate the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Furthermore, the embassy had previously issued a warning requiring personnel at Al Udeid Air Base to “increase vigilance” and temporarily restrict access to and from the base.