Doha, Qatar – June 24: Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, Qatari authorities have temporarily suspended all air traffic in the country’s airspace to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and international visitors. The announcement was made by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday via its official social media platform.
The decision comes in the wake of Iran’s reported missile attacks targeting U.S. military installations in Qatar and Iraq. Among the key targets was Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, located in Qatar. The missile strikes followed U.S. airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites—Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, with the latter situated deep inside a mountain.
In response to the escalating conflict, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a security advisory on Monday, urging American citizens to shelter in place due to the heightened threat level. “Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend American citizens shelter in place until further notice,” the advisory stated.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has also issued a federal alert, warning of a “heightened threat environment,” including the potential for cyberattacks by Iran or its regional proxies. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department released a global advisory, cautioning American citizens abroad to stay alert due to potential anti-U.S. demonstrations and security threats.
As global tensions rise, U.S. President Donald Trump took to his platform Truth Social on Monday to issue a strong warning about economic stability. While not mentioning specific companies, Trump appeared to target oil producers and energy firms, calling on them to prevent price hikes that could benefit adversaries.
“EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING! YOU’RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON’T DO IT!” Trump wrote, reflecting growing concern over global oil price volatility amid geopolitical unrest.
With over 40,000 U.S. troops stationed across the Middle East, including a significant presence in Qatar, fears remain high about further retaliatory actions by Iran or its allies. The Qatari government reiterated that the airspace closure is temporary and driven purely by safety considerations.
As the situation develops, travelers and foreign nationals in the region are urged to monitor official advisories and remain vigilant.