The US responded to the security crisis in the region by suspending visa and consular services at its diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates. The Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai announced that all appointments between July 13-15 were canceled. American citizens were asked not to come to the embassy or consulate on those dates.
The diplomatic mission confirmed that the 'ordered departure' status, under which non-emergency US government personnel have been evacuated from the country, remains in effect. Accordingly, all routine visa services across the UAE have been suspended. Only limited emergency consular assistance will be provided to US citizens; for urgent matters such as passports, they must contact the US Citizen Services Navigator.
The embassy urged Americans to closely monitor security developments, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and keep emergency supplies. In the event of an airstrike, they were advised to stay away from windows.
These measures came after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the strategic waterway in Omani territorial waters. One Indian crew member was killed in the attack, and eight others were injured, four of them seriously. The ministry described the attack as a 'grave violation of international law'.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) also confirmed that it conducted a five-hour air operation targeting missile sites, coastal defense systems, drone facilities, and naval assets in southern Iran. The operation was part of the escalating conflict following the collapse of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that a blockade on Iranian ports would be reimposed starting Tuesday and that a 20 percent fee would be levied on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the measure would finance efforts to secure the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints, carried about one-fifth of global oil shipments before the clashes. The renewed military conflict and threats to shipping have heightened concerns over global energy supplies, prompting diplomatic missions in the Gulf to take precautions.
