The decision was made amid increasingly intense attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels and fears that the conflict in the Middle East could escalate further.
Meanwhile, explosions were heard in southern Iran, near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The cause of the explosions remains unknown.
Reuters, citing U.S. officials, reported that the U.S. State Department had ordered some employees at American diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, along with their family members, to leave the country. Four U.S. officials confirmed that measures were also being prepared to facilitate the departure of family members of diplomatic personnel from other Gulf states.
Likley secondary explosions in the video reported to be from an Iranian anti-ship missile launcher in the city of Sirik hit in a US air strike tonight. Source: https://t.co/OPYQZFNh5O https://t.co/jpIPVMFp6C — Mehdi H. (@mhmiranusa) October 21, 2026
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the decision concerning Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that it applies to non-emergency personnel and their family members. He did not confirm whether the same measures had already taken effect in other countries.
Washington warns of attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure
Pigott explained that the decision was made in response to an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis, who are backed by Tehran, have targeted civilian airports and other critical infrastructure in recent weeks.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a new security alert today, warning of possible further attacks.
The withdrawal of diplomats is particularly significant because Washington had gradually been returning personnel to diplomatic missions in recent months, after employees had been evacuated following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran in late February.
Explosions in Southern Iran, near the Strait of Hormuz
As Washington introduces new security measures, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported several explosions in Hormozgan Province, in southern Iran.
According to a report carried by AFP, the explosions were heard in the Karapan area, near the city of Sirik, along the coast of the Gulf of Oman and close to the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s state news agency said local sources had not yet determined the nature of the explosions.
So far, there is no reliable information about what caused them, whether they were the result of a military attack, or whether there were any casualties or material damage.
