An incoming projectile explodes over the water as Israel issues a nationwide alert following its strikes on Iran, in Haifa Bay, northern Israel, Saturday, February 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa). Photo: VCG

Several Chinese embassies and consulates in the Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, Iran and Bahrain, on Saturday reminded Chinese nationals in the countries to closely monitor the situation and strengthen safety precautions amid the US and Israel's strikes against Iran, which has retaliated.

The Chinese Embassy in Israel on Saturday reminded Chinese nationals in the country to closely monitor developments and changes in the situation, remain highly vigilant, familiarize themselves in advance with nearby shelters and evacuation routes, and keep communication channels open at all times. 

Israel and the US launched military strikes against Iran on Saturday morning. The Israeli government has issued a nationwide alert, announcing that beginning at 8:00 am on Saturday, all work and school activities will be suspended and all non-essential activities halted and Israeli airspace has been closed, according to a statement published on the WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in Israel. The local security situation is extremely severe, the embassy said in the statement. 

The Chinese embassy said all necessary safety precautions must be strengthened and be fully prepared against various forms of attacks, including missiles, rockets, and drones. 

On Saturday, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Iran also reminded Chinese citizens in the country to closely follow developments, remain calm, stay highly vigilant, strengthen security precautions, and be prepared to take immediate emergency shelter if necessary. The embassy described the local security situation in Iran "has become extremely severe and complex" amid attacks.

The Chinese Embassy and consulates in the United Arab Emirates also reminded Chinese citizens in the country to closely monitor developments, strengthen their security awareness, minimize outings, and stay away from relevant military bases and sensitive facilities. Those planning to travel by air are advised to keep a close watch on flight updates, according to a post on the embassy's WeChat account. 

A Chinese citizen who had planned to take a flight to Dubai on Saturday evening told the Global Times that she has not yet received any notice of flight cancellations, but is closely following developments in the news.

"I was packing my luggage when I suddenly saw reports that several Middle Eastern countries hosting US military bases had come under attack," she said. "I contacted the airline and was told there have been no changes so far, but I suspect the airline may not have had time to respond yet."

The Chinese Embassy in Bahrain also issued a similar reminder on Saturday. 

The embassy reminded Chinese citizens in the country to closely monitor developments, strengthen their security awareness, minimize outings, and stay away from relevant military bases and sensitive facilities. 

Those planning to travel by air are advised to pay close attention to flight updates. In case of emergency, Chinese citizens should report to the police immediately and contact the embassy without delay, the embassy said. 

Bahrain's Interior Ministry said it has activated air-raid sirens to warn of an Iranian attack on US military bases in the Gulf state in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic this morning, the Times of Israel said. 

In response to the US military campaign, Iran said the it has attacked four US bases across the region, according to media reports. The Iranian attack has begun and that explosions were heard and smoke seen in Bahrain's capital Manama, according to the Israeli media report. 

The US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain has been reduced to "mission critical" staffing ahead of the US military campaign against Iran, Fox News reported on Thursday, citing multiple US officials. 

"The Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain have been targeted by Iranian missile strikes," NBC News said, citing a Iranian state TV report.

Missiles launched toward the Al Udeid US air base in Qatar were intercepted, the Qatar Defense Ministry said, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday. 

In light of the current situation, the Chinese Embassy in Qatar said in a WeChat post on Saturday that Chinese citizens and Chinese-funded enterprises in the country should strengthen security precautions including remain in their residence or other secure buildings and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary. 

The Chinese embassy also advised Chinese citizens to stock up on food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies as needed and keep a low profile and heighten awareness of their surroundings.

The Chinese Embassy in Oman also issued a notice on Saturday reminding Chinese citizens in the country to closely monitor developments, strengthen their security awareness, minimize outings, and stay alert to flight updates if planning to travel by air.