The US Embassy in the United Arab Emirates announced on Monday the suspension of all consular appointments for three days due to the deteriorating regional security situation, amid escalating military tensions in the Gulf, according to NTD News.

The US State Department clarified in a post on platform X dated July 13 that the suspension is effective from July 13 to 15 and includes the embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate general in Dubai. The department advised US citizens with appointments during that period not to attend, confirming that they will be contacted to reschedule.

The State Department statement indicated that the embassy and consulate remain in authorized departure status, meaning non-essential personnel have been transferred out of the UAE, and consular services for US citizens will be very limited.

In the same context, NTD News reported that the UAE has recently witnessed renewed missile and drone attacks by Iran, amid a wide regional escalation. The UAE Ministry of Defense announced the death of an Indian crew member and the injury of eight others as a result of Iranian missiles targeting two Emirati oil tankers while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and ADNOC Shipping confirmed significant damage to the tankers.

US escalation and mutual warnings

NTD added that US President Donald Trump stated on July 13 that the option of imposing a blockade on Iran is back on the table, following the resumption of military strikes against Iranian targets. He also noted that Iranian officials had not adhered to the terms of the interim agreement signed last month, which aimed to end hostilities, reopen the strait, and halt Iran's nuclear program.

The report stated that the US Central Command announced a new round of airstrikes on Monday night targeting Iranian military sites in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas, aimed at undermining Iran's ability to target commercial shipping.

In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a post on X dated July 12 that Iran's strikes on US bases in the southern Gulf were 'legitimate defense' under international law, and called on the United Nations to demand that countries not allow their territory to be used for attacks against Iran.