Summary
The U.S. State Department announced the immediate cancellation of all consular appointments in the United Arab Emirates from July 13 to July 15, citing a deterioration in the regional security environment. The advisory covers both the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai. Affected U.S. citizens should not appear in person; the State Department said it will contact people to reschedule. The U.S. mission in the UAE is under ordered-departure status, which limits available consular assistance.
Why the U.S. mission suspended consular services
The suspension, posted on X on July 13, follows a spike in missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran against Emirati targets in the Persian Gulf. The State Department said the withdrawal of nonessential personnel from the country has significantly constrained its ability to provide consular support during the affected period.
Recent attacks and reported damage
UAE authorities reported that two Emirati‑flagged very large crude carriers (VLCCs), the Mombasa B and Al Bahyah, were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE Ministry of Defense said one Indian crew member was killed and eight others injured. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) confirmed major damage to both vessels.
Military responses and official statements
U.S. forces conducted a roughly five‑hour strike overnight on July 13 against multiple military sites along Iran’s coast — Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping. President Donald Trump also raised the possibility of a blockade against Iran and referenced a potential strike on an underground site called Pickaxe Mountain near Natanz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei characterized Iranian strikes on U.S. bases and assets in the southern Persian Gulf as a “legitimate exercise of the right of self‑defense,” accused Washington of violating international law, and urged the United Nations to act against the use of some countries’ territories as bases for U.S. operations.
What this means for U.S. citizens
– Non‑urgent consular services are postponed and on‑site assistance is limited while the mission remains in ordered‑departure status.
– U.S. citizens in the UAE or planning travel there should monitor official State Department communications and avoid canceled appointments.
– The State Department will contact affected applicants to arrange rescheduling.
Status and outlook
The situation is volatile and tied to ongoing military operations in the region. Recent incidents — attacks on merchant vessels, subsequent U.S. strikes, and public statements by U.S. and Iranian officials — prompted the temporary suspension of consular services. As of now, U.S. and Emirati authorities have not provided dates beyond July 13–15 for the resumption of normal services.
