CENTCOM Issues Civilian Warning to Iran; U.S. Closes Three Embassies; Allied Evacuations Expand Across Gulf
The warning, issued in English and Farsi, urged Iranian civilians to stay at home.
MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a safety warning to civilians in Iran on March 8, naming the cities of Dezful, Esfahan, and Shiraz as locations where Iranian forces are using populated areas to launch drones and ballistic missiles.
The warning, issued in English and Farsi, urged Iranian civilians to stay at home.
Separately, the U.S. State Department closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Beirut and ordered non-emergency departure of personnel from six countries, while the UK government chartered flights from Dubai to evacuate British nationals.
This report covers regional alerts, travel advisories, evacuations, and official statements from all parties during March 7-8, 2026, Day 9 of Operation Epic Fury.
Situation at a Glance
CENTCOM civilian warning (Mar 8): Named Dezful, Esfahan, and Shiraz as military launch sites; urged Iranian civilians to stay home. Issued in English and Farsi.
U.S. embassy closures: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Beirut embassies closed. State Dept urged Americans to depart 15 Middle East countries.
UK evacuations (Mar 8): Charter flights from Dubai for 138,000+ British nationals seeking assistance. “Do Not Travel” advisory for UAE.
Italy evacuations: Hundreds evacuated from UAE so far; approximately 30,000 Italian citizens reside in the country.
Bahrain: International airport closed since February 28. Air defenses have intercepted 95 missiles and 164 drones total (Bahrain Defence Force, Mar 8).
Qatar: Shelter-in-place via National Alert System. Ministry of Interior (MOI) issued workplace safety procedures and evacuation route guidance.
Iran — Pezeshkian (Mar 7): Apologized to neighbors, pledged to halt strikes on neighboring countries. Walked back statement March 8, calling it “misinterpreted by the enemy.”
Iran — Assembly of Experts (Mar 8): Reported “majority consensus” on Khamenei successor; name not announced. Some obstacles remain.
Bahrain MOI (Mar 8): Reported Iranian drone struck a water desalination plant, causing material damage.
Conflict day: Day 9 of Operation Epic Fury (began February 28).
CENTCOM Civilian Safety Warning to Iran (March 8)
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