US Embassy Branch in Tel Aviv Damaged in Iran Strike, Ambassador Says

The embassy warned it was in no position to ‘evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.’

Vehicles jam a highway as a fire blazes nearby in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, on June 15, 2025. Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will “officially remain closed” on Monday, with the embassy branch in Tel Aviv suffering damages amid the ongoing military conflict with Iran, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in a June 16 post on social media platform X.

“Some minor damage from concussions of Iranian missile hits near Embassy Branch in @TelAviv but no injuries to US personnel,” he said.

The closure of the embassy was done “given the security situation” and in compliance with the Israel Home Front Command’s guidance, the embassy said in a June 15 security alert, adding that the closure includes the shutdown of consular sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

“There will be no passport (emergency or regular) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad services. The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel,” it said in the alert, issued for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

“Ben Gurion Airport remains closed, and there are no commercial or charter flights operating from there.”

A notice published on the airport’s website confirmed that all flights to and from the location have been canceled “until further notice.” It asked people not to travel to the airport.

Land crossings from Israel to Jordan are scheduled to work only for a limited time on Monday. The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing will be open for 6 1/2 hours, the Northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) crossing for 6 hours, and the Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing for 12 hours.

“Before traveling to the border crossings, U.S. citizens should consult the Israel Home Front Command guidance. Flights are available from Jordan on a limited basis. Please check with your airline and expect delays,” said the alert.

The embassy advised U.S. citizens in Israel to maintain caution and increase awareness of their personal security, including knowing the nearest shelter locations. Attacks from missiles, rockets, and unmanned aircraft systems can take place without warning, it said.

There are around 700,000 Americans currently living in Israel, Huckabee said in another X post, while advising them to check the embassy website for updates.

Meanwhile, the embassy directed all U.S. government employees and their families to continue to shelter in and near their residences.

“In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel (including the Old City of Jerusalem) and the West Bank,” it said.

The ongoing conflict was triggered after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on Friday. The operation involved a surprise attack described as preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and scientists, military leaders, and top regime officials.

Iran then sent a barrage of missiles toward Israel, with some breaching Tel Aviv’s air defenses and hitting residential buildings.

Nuclear Threat From Iran

In a speech on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran had stockpiled enough enriched uranium to manufacture nine atomic bombs, with Tehran capable of producing the first of these bombs in just a few months.

Iran’s nuclear weapons pursuit presents a “clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival,” he said. Israel’s initial strikes on Iran had hit nuclear and military infrastructure across the country, including the Natanz enrichment facility and underground missile complexes located in Kermanshah.

Iran’s Islamic regime, which has frequently made threats against the West, has consistently denied that its nuclear program is to create a weapon, and insists the program is only for civilian purposes.

On June 12, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board of governors passed a resolution declaring that Iran breached its obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. The resolution was backed by the United States, France, Germany, and Britain.

In a statement to the board on June 9, Director General Rafael Grossi said he was seriously concerned about Tehran’s “rapid accumulation of highly enriched uranium.”

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against any military adventurism against the United States.

“The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight,” Trump said in a June 15 post on Truth Social, but added, “If we are attacked in any way, shape, or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.”

“However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!” he said.

On Sunday afternoon, the president said meetings were being held to end the military conflict.