QATAR (TNND) — American citizens at the U.S. Embassy in Qatar were told to shelter in place on Monday after the U.S. launched a series of strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities on Saturday.

"Out of an abundance of caution we recommend American citizens shelter in place until further notice," the embassy said in a notice.

The State Department also issued a "Worldwide Caution Security Alert" on Sunday advising U.S. citizens overseas to "exercise increased caution."

"The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East," the statement read. "There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution."

In response to the strikes, Iran's state media issued warnings, displaying a map of U.S. bases in the region and declaring that every American citizen and soldier is now a "legitimate target." Iran's foreign minister emphasized the potential for long-lasting consequences.

Approximately 40,000 U.S. troops in the region are on high alert.

Top US officials urged Iran not to strike US military targets in retaliation. Vice President JD Vance said, “We’re not at war with Iran. We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program.”

Economic retaliation is also a concern, with potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz threatening to spike oil prices.

A spokesperson for Qatar's ministry of foreign affairs responded to the shelter in place order by stating that the "advisory from a number of embassies to their citizens do not reflect the existence of specific threats."

"The security situation in the country is stable," the statement continued. "The relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors."

The largest U.S. base in the Middle East is Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar with around 8,000 troops.