US has ordered diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia immediately

This move by the State Department indicates that US officials are aware of the growing risks in the region, according to the New York Times.

The order affects the US embassy in Riyadh, which has been the target of several attacks by Iran. People are advised to avoid these areas and a security warning has been issued for Americans in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, where US consulates are located. Consulate staff are also being prepared to leave.

This is the first such order issued since the strikes on Iran began on February 28.

Senior diplomats in Saudi Arabia recently approached Washington themselves with a request for mandatory departure, expecting approval due to frequent attacks.

After the initial airstrikes on Iran, the Iranian military responded with missile and drone strikes on countries in the region, particularly Arab states in the Persian Gulf that have US bases, military presence, or are considered partners of the US and Israel. This angered some of these governments toward Iran and frightened people across the region.

Photo: arab.com.ua.