Muscat, Oman – March 1, 2026 – The United States Embassy in Oman instructed its personnel and urged all American citizens in the country to shelter in place on Sunday, citing heightened security risks stemming from the escalating military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In an official security alert posted on its website and shared via social media, the embassy stated: “Due to ongoing activity outside of Muscat, the US Embassy in Oman has instructed staff to shelter-in-place (i.e., take cover).” The message continued: “We recommend all Americans in Oman do the same until further notice.”
The directive follows a series of drone and missile strikes reported across several Gulf countries—including Oman—over the past 24 hours, in retaliation for the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iranian targets launched early Saturday. While Omani authorities have not officially confirmed strikes on their territory, local reports and regional monitoring sources indicated limited drone activity and air defense engagements near Muscat and other areas on Sunday morning. The embassy alert did not specify the nature of the “ongoing activity” but emphasized the need for caution amid the rapidly deteriorating regional security environment.
Oman has played a pivotal role as a neutral mediator in indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The most recent round of talks concluded in Geneva on Thursday, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi describing progress as “within our reach” after a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday. The sudden outbreak of hostilities has severely undermined those diplomatic efforts, with Oman now facing the fallout of being geographically positioned between Iran and US-aligned Gulf states hosting American military assets.
The shelter-in-place order coincides with Iran’s confirmation on Sunday of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior political and military officials, as a direct result of the US-Israeli strikes. Mohsen Dehnavi, spokesperson for Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, announced the deaths and stated that Ayatollah Alireza Arafi—a clerical member of the Guardian Council—had been appointed to the interim Leadership Council under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution. The council, comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and Arafi as the clerical representative, will exercise supreme authority until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor.
The strikes—codenamed “Lion’s Roar” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the United States—targeted Iranian military infrastructure, missile production sites, and reportedly senior leadership figures. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the joint operation, describing it as pre-emptive to eliminate threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear program, and regional proxy networks. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on civilians to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging possible US casualties.
Iran responded with missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf, including confirmed strikes on a US-linked facility in Bahrain’s Juffair area and an intercepted missile over Qatar. Additional reports indicated drone activity near Oman, though Muscat has maintained a low public profile to preserve its mediation role.
The US Embassy’s shelter-in-place directive reflects similar precautionary measures taken by other Western missions in the region. Several Gulf states—including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—have closed or restricted airspace, placed forces on high alert, and issued internal security alerts. Oil prices remain elevated amid fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
European leaders, including France, Germany, and the UK, issued a joint statement Saturday denying participation in the strikes while condemning Iranian retaliatory attacks on regional countries. They called for restraint, civilian protection, and a return to negotiations. The European Union, Switzerland, and various Asian nations also urged de-escalation and respect for international law.
The Western Balkans showed mixed responses: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warned the conflict was “long prepared” and unlikely to end quickly, announcing plans to strengthen Serbia’s air defenses. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani expressed support for US actions, while Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama called for designating the Iranian regime a terrorist organization. Slovenia, Croatia, North Macedonia, and others called for restraint and diplomacy.
The confirmation of Khamenei’s death has triggered national mourning in Iran, with state television broadcasting religious ceremonies and appeals for unity. The interim Leadership Council’s formation ensures clerical continuity during this unprecedented crisis. The Assembly of Experts is expected to convene soon to select a permanent Supreme Leader, a process that will unfold under extraordinary security conditions.
As missile exchanges persist, airspace restrictions remain in place, and regional forces stay on high alert, the US Embassy’s shelter-in-place order underscores the spreading impact of the conflict—even in Oman, a country that has historically avoided direct involvement in regional confrontations. American citizens in Oman are advised to monitor embassy alerts, limit movement, and prepare for possible further instructions.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the risk of further escalation threatening broader regional stability and global energy markets.
