U.S. Orders Non-Emergency Staff to Leave Saudi Arabia Over Security Risks

The U.S. Department of State issued the directive on October 30, 2026, following a reassessment of security threats in the Middle East. The move is part of a broader trend of reducing U.S. military and diplomatic presence in the region. The order applies to non-emergency staff, while emergency personnel continue to operate at the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia. The decision comes amid ongoing security concerns in the region, with the U.S. seeking to mitigate potential threats. The move is seen as a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, aligning with efforts to reduce long-standing diplomatic and military commitments. The U.S. has maintained a significant diplomatic presence in Saudi Arabia for decades, but this order marks a notable reduction in that presence.