The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed for the next few days as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, the embassy said in a release.
The embassy has also directed all U.S. government employees and their family members to continue sheltering in place.
“Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) through Friday (June 20). This includes the Consular Sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. There will be no passport (emergency or regular) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad services,” the release says.
The embassy said it does not plan to assist “private U.S. citizens to depart at this time” but understands that others have been traveling out of Israel using third parties successfully.
The conflict between Israel and Iran began last week, with the former launching a precision strike aimed at military leaders, nuclear scientists, and nuclear sites. The strike was successful, killing several targets and damaging nuclear facilities. Israel said the initial blow was because of Iran’s growing nuclear program.
Iran has since responded, and the sides have traded blows in the days since. The United States has denied involvement, but President Donald Trump said U.S. patience in the war “is wearing thin” while urging Iran not to strike U.S. soldiers.
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” Trump said Tuesday on Truth Social.
As of late Tuesday afternoon, Israel was striking the Iranian capital city of Tehran after issuing an evacuation warning for part of the city. Israel said it was striking “military infrastructure” in the city and warned civilians in the area that the strikes “will put your life in danger.”
The U.S. and other countries have helped defend Israel against Iranian counterattacks. Jordanian air defenses were seen intercepting Iranian rockets late Tuesday.
TRUMP: ‘WE NOW HAVE COMPLETE AND TOTAL CONTROL OF THE SKIES OVER IRAN’
The conflict is expected to continue to escalate, though it is unknown if U.S. involvement will grow.
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone this afternoon, but the content of their call was unknown. Trump has reiterated his belief that Iran cannot have access to nuclear weapons.