US officials faced intense criticism for delayed evacuations as Iran’s “Operation Truthful Promise 4” missile and drone barrages targeted American embassies and bases across the Gulf starting February 28, 2026. Internal memos for voluntary departures from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Riyadh weren’t approved until days into the conflict—Riyadh’s embassy hit by drones on Tuesday despite clearance only then.
Timeline of Delayed Response
Evacuation requests for frontline missions surfaced Saturday amid initial strikes but awaited post-US-Israel launch approvals; public alerts began Monday, three days in. By Saturday, over a dozen charter flights evacuated thousands, including 182 embassy staff plus 51 civilians from Dubai to Washington—only the second from UAE. Airspace closures canceled 23,000+ flights, stranding Americans who questioned pre-war warnings via WhatsApp groups.
Strikes Hit Key Assets, Spark Regional Chaos
Iran targeted US Fifth Fleet HQ in Bahrain, Al Udeid in Qatar, Al Dhafra in UAE, and embassies in Riyadh (drone fire damage), Kuwait; six US troops killed, civilian injuries reported. QatarEnergy paused LNG amid hits; oil prices surged on fears. Secretary Rubio warned of “hardest hits” ahead, with carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and Gerald R. Ford repositioned.
Fallout and Criticism Mount
Expats like Doha resident Rajumar decried lack of early options despite foreknowledge; State updated messages post-chaos. Amid Khamenei’s death and Tehran’s vow against neighbor strikes unless provoked, evacuations underscore war’s rapid spread.
