‘Not in a position to evacuate or directly assist Americans…’: US Embassy in Jerusalem issues notif amid raging strikes
The development comes amid reports of fresh strikes launched by Iran following the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in the joint strikes by US-Israel. Blasts were heard in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Jerusalem as the Islamic Republic continued to retaliate
Israeli emergency service officers inspect search through the debris at the scene of a missile attack near Bet Shemesh, some 30 kilometres west of Jerusalem on March 1, 2026. A barrage of missiles launched from Iran killed at least six people in the central Israel city of Bet Shemesh on March 1, Israel's first responders agency, Magen David Adom (MDA) said, the day after the US and Israel attacked Iran and assassinated its supreme leader. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)(AFP)
The US Embassy in Jerusalem said that it is not in a position to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel, and advised US citizens to “shelter in place.”
“As a result of the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy has directed that all U.S. government employees and their family members continue to shelter in place in and near their residences until further notice. Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed on Monday March 2, 2026. This includes the Consular Sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. There will be no passport (emergency or regular) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad services. The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel,” the Embassy said in a post on X.
The development comes amid fresh strikes launched by Iran following the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in the joint strikes by US-Israel. Blasts were heard in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Jerusalem as the Islamic Republic continued to retaliate.
Iran's fresh ‘large scale’ attack
Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced a fresh "large-scale" attack on Sunday, and blasts were heard in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with Israeli rescue services reporting four people killed in the latest missile attack, reported AFP.
The Islamic Republic launched strikes across the Gulf after vowing to avenge slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, defying a threat from President Donald Trump to strike with unprecedented force.
As crowds gathered in capital city Tehran with some grieving and others celebrating, explosions rang out and the Israeli military announced it was again striking targets in the heart of the capital, mentioned AFP's report.
Israel-US, Iran clash: What has happened so far? Key Highlights
— US, alongside Israel, attacked Iran on Saturday, 28 February. Dubbed as ‘Operation Epic Fury’ by Trump, US' multi-day strike commenced at around 1 a.m. (local time) with a salvo of ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and air-launched munitions from US Air Force and Navy jets, a US official reportedly said.
— Hours after the joint strike, Iran retaliated. Blasts were heard in key Middle Eastern hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, among others. Reports also mentioned that Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building was evacuated.
— Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the strike, reported mentioned earlier today, Sunday.
— Following Khamenei's death, Alireza Arafi, has been appointed as the interim supreme leader of Iran.
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Who is Alireza Arafi? Key points at a glance
— Flights to Middle East have been severely impacted in the wake of the crisis, with Indian carrier Air India offering free refunds to passengers, rescheduling of flights without any charges for the same.
Sudeshna Ghoshal is a Content Producer for Livemint, where she decodes international affairs, US politics, besides covering general news. With nearly two years in the newsroom, she has covered a plethora of topics ranging from developments around trade deals, elections, nuances in geopolitical shifts to fine prints of Union Budgets. A fellow of the US Consulate General’s Business Communication cohort, she has also reported on airline launches, and national affairs. As a person who thinks out of the box, she aims to blend her creativity with how stories are told.<br><br>
Born and raised in Kolkata, Sudeshna’s academic journey has taken her across multiple cities in India, and she is now based out of Delhi. She studied English Literature and holds a postgraduate diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She also has a keen interest in foreign languages and cultures of different nations.<br><br>
When the news cycle slows down, you will find her experimenting with either music or food, or dabbling with paints. She posts at sudeshna02_ and can also be reached out on LinkedIn.
