The United States Embassy in Qatar has issued a warning to Americans to “shelter in place” as tensions in the region continue to escalate.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend American citizens shelter in place until further notice,” the message on the Qatar embassy website said. Further explanation for the warning was not provided.

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Last week, the embassy warned its personnel and Americans in the country to “exercise increased vigilance.”

Qatar has the most formalized relationship with the U.S. It is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, which the State Department describes as “indispensable” for the U.S. military to operate in the Gulf. Last year, the U.S. extended the lease for the military base by another ten years. 

Former President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2022. 

On Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut ordered the departure of family members and nonemergency U.S. government personnel from Lebanon due to “the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region.”

The State Department also issued a “worldwide caution” security alert on Sunday to all Americans worldwide.

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“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad,” the warning from the State Department said.

“The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,” it continued.