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In a significant move reflecting heightened tensions, the United States has put all its embassies and diplomatic outposts on high alert. This comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio has commanded an immediate and comprehensive review of security measures worldwide, amid rising fears of potential Iranian reprisals linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to a directive examined by The Washington Post, the State Department has called for an urgent reassessment of security at “ALL posts worldwide.” This rare and sweeping order highlights the growing apprehension that the conflict’s impact may extend far beyond its regional origins.
The communication expressed concerns about the “ongoing and developing situation in the Middle East and the potential for spill-over effects,” indicating that US officials now perceive the threat as global and not limited to known conflict zones.
Issued under the signature of Rubio and the authority of Undersecretary for Management Jason Evans, the directive mandates that each diplomatic mission form Emergency Action Committees. These specialized teams are tasked with threat assessment, coordinating responses, and preparing for worst-case scenarios.
Furthermore, the cable emphasizes the importance of transparency under the department’s ‘no double standards’ policy. It instructs diplomatic posts to ensure that any credible threats are communicated to American citizens, not just the staff, ensuring public awareness and safety.
While heightened alerts have been issued in the Middle East in recent weeks, Tuesday’s order marks the first time in the current crisis that all US diplomatic posts worldwide have been told to review their defenses simultaneously.
The escalation comes as US embassies and facilities have already come under repeated attack.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered all U.S. embassies worldwide to immediately review their security posture. The directive instructed ‘ALL posts worldwide’ to convene Emergency Action Committees to assess threats
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia a drone attack left parts of the US Embassy partially ‘unrecoverable,’ with sections of the roof collapsed and smoke damage reported
Since the start of the US-Israeli bombing campaign on February 28, Iran and its proxy groups have targeted American diplomatic sites across the region, forcing temporary closures and evacuations in several countries.
At the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a drone strike earlier this month left parts of the compound partially ‘unrecoverable,’ with sections of the roof collapsed and areas contaminated by smoke, according to internal assessments reviewed by the Post.
However, the threats are no longer confined to the Middle East.
Recent incidents include gunfire reported outside the US Consulate in Toronto and an explosion near the US Embassy in Oslo – stark reminders that tensions are reverberating far beyond the conflict zone.
One State Department cable reviewed by the Post assessed that Iranian-backed militia groups have carried out 292 attacks on US facilities since February 28, describing the threat to American personnel as ‘persistent.’
In some cases, the situation has grown even more alarming.
According to the report, groups of armed men have approached homes seeking information about US citizens.
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Gunshots were reported outside the U.S. Consulate in Toronto in a separate security incident
An explosion was reported near the US Embassy in Oslo amid rising global tensions linked to the conflict
Smashed windows can be seen as part of the damage at the US Embassy in Oslo
In another incident, an apartment building housing US diplomatic personnel in Israel was struck by an ‘intercepted, unexploded Iranian ballistic warhead’ over the weekend.
While no injuries were reported, officials warned the episode underscored the life-or-death importance of seeking shelter when alarms sound.
Despite the sweeping nature of the global alert, it remains unclear whether specific new intelligence triggered the move, or whether the decision reflects mounting concern over a steadily deteriorating security situation.