Rubio: All personnel accounted for after Dubai consulate attack
TL;DR
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed all personnel safe after a suspected Iranian drone strike on the Dubai consulate, with no injuries. The attack escalates regional tensions, prompting urgent evacuation calls and disrupting travel, as other U.S. missions face risks and limited services.
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Rubio: All personnel accounted for after Dubai consulate attack
U.S. Embassy Confirms All Personnel Safe After Dubai Consulate Attack; Evacuation Efforts Intensify
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on March 2, 2026, that all U.S. personnel at the consulate in Dubai were accounted for following a suspected Iranian drone strike on the facility. The attack, which caused limited damage and no reported injuries, is part of escalating regional tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The State Department reiterated its urgent call for Americans in the Middle East to depart immediately using available commercial transportation, as airstrikes and retaliatory attacks continue to disrupt diplomatic operations and infrastructure.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, also sustained damage from two drone strikes early Tuesday, according to Saudi authorities, though no casualties were reported. These incidents underscore the heightened risks for U.S. missions across the region, with embassies in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar either closed or operating under restricted conditions. The State Department has established a task force to assist citizens, but limited resources and suspended consular services have left many Americans in limbo.
Travel disruptions remain severe, with major airports in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi—key transit hubs—partially operational or closed. Aviation data shows over 11,000 canceled flights since the conflict began, complicating evacuation efforts. Airlines such as Emirates and Etihad have resumed limited repatriation flights, prioritizing pre-booked passengers, while Qatar Airways and others remain grounded.
The conflict has already claimed six U.S. service members and over 500 Iranian lives, according to official reports. President Donald Trump has indicated the war could persist for weeks, with "larger strikes" planned, while Rubio emphasized the U.S. remains focused on securing the safety of citizens abroad. As the situation evolves, the State Department urges travelers to monitor security alerts and register via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
