HIGHDIPLOMATIC
US orders non-emergency staff and families to leave Oman immediately — safety risk
·Oman / Muscat
The US State Department ordered all non-emergency government employees and their family members to depart Oman immediately due to "safety risks." The evacuation order escalates US security posture across the Gulf and suggests credible threat intelligence pointing to Iran targeting Oman.
The US State Department directed all non-emergency government employees and their family members to depart Oman immediately on March 15, 2026 (Day 16), citing safety risks. American citizens in Oman were urged to stay alert and follow government guidance. The order signals that US intelligence assesses a credible threat to Americans in Oman — possibly related to Iran's stated willingness to strike US-affiliated facilities and assets across the Gulf region. Oman has historically served as a back-channel diplomatic conduit between the US and Iran, and its relative neutrality in the conflict may no longer be sufficient to protect American personnel. The order follows US Embassy Baghdad ordering all Americans out of Iraq after a drone strike on the embassy's helipad on Day 15.
Actor responses
State Department has ordered all non-emergency personnel and families to depart Oman immediately due to safety risks. American citizens in Oman should follow official guidance.
Iran has not commented on the US Oman evacuation order. Tehran has previously utilized Oman as a back-channel but may not respect its neutrality.