The US Embassy Muscat has instructed its personnel to immediately shelter in place, warning American citizens in Muscat to do the same amid escalating regional hostilities linked to ongoing Iranian retaliation across the Gulf.

In an alert posted on X, embassy officials said: “Due to ongoing activity outside of Muscat, the US Embassy in Oman has instructed staff to shelter-in-place (i.e., take cover). We recommend all Americans in Oman do the same until further notice.”

The advisory urged people to move to safe indoor locations and ensure they have basic supplies. “Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items,” it said.

Officials further advised residents to follow news updates closely and remain reachable. “Monitor media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.” They also urged individuals to keep phones charged and inform family members of their whereabouts.

The embassy added: “Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates on security in Oman.”

Oil tanker attacked near Oman coast amid soaring tensions

The security alert also followed a serious maritime incident off Oman’s northern coast. According to the Oman Maritime Security Centre, the Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight was struck roughly five nautical miles north of Khasab, forcing the evacuation of all 20 crew members.

The tanker carried 15 Indian and five Iranian nationals. Initial reporting from the Times of Oman said four crew members suffered injuries of varying severity and were transferred to hospital.

Authorities have released no details on who was responsible, though the attack occurred amid reports of radio threats to commercial vessels following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Omani authorities issue safety advisories

The Royal Oman Police urged fishermen and tour-boat operators in the Musandam Governorate to stay ashore until conditions stabilise, citing shifting security risks.

State media also reported separate drone strikes on facilities in Duqm, where one UAV hit temporary worker accommodation, injuring a foreign national. A second drone reportedly crashed near fuel tanks without further casualties.

Tensions rise after Trump announces Khamenei’s death

The embassy alert came shortly after Donald Trump claimed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed.

Both Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, separately urged Iranians to rise up, with Netanyahu appealing to citizens to “take over your government.”

Iran’s regional strikes enter second day

The developments in Oman came as a second wave of Iranian attacks hit multiple United Arab Emirates cities and neighbouring states. Explosions were reported in Dubai, Manama, and Doha, with thick smoke rising over parts of the region.

In Dubai, debris from intercepted drones injured two people, while in Abu Dhabi, a woman and child were hurt when fragments struck a building in the Etihad Towers complex. A fire also ignited at Jebel Ali Port after falling debris.

In Bahrain, drones struck areas around Manama’s airport, causing minor damage.

On Saturday, Iran launched more than 300 projectiles at targets across the UAE, with fires reported near landmarks such as The Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab.

One person was killed and seven injured at Abu Dhabi International Airport, while operations at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, were also disrupted. Kuwait International Airport and parts of eastern Saudi Arabia were similarly affected.

Strikes extend to Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia

Qatar – home to the largest US military base in the region – reported significant incoming fire, including 65 missiles and 12 drones, most of which were intercepted. Eight people were injured, one critically.

Smoke was also observed rising from US military installations in Abu Dhabi and Manama, with additional strikes reported in Riyadh and eastern Saudi Arabia. 

(With inputs from agencies)