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The U.S. State Department has urgently advised American citizens across the Middle East to leave immediately due to escalating risks posed by the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The advisory, issued on Monday, covers 14 countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, urging citizens to use available commercial transportation to depart the region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised, “Our number one priority is the safety and security of American citizens everywhere in the world,” condemning Iran’s “cowardly attacks” on Gulf states. Rubio also encouraged U.S. citizens to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and stay updated on security conditions through the State Department’s communication channels, including WhatsApp.
The advisory follows intense military airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, which were met with retaliatory missile and drone attacks. These strikes have caused significant casualties, including over 100 children, according to humanitarian groups. The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia was also hit by a suspected Iranian drone attack on Tuesday, though no casualties have been reported.
In response, President Donald Trump stated, “You’ll find out soon” when asked about the U.S. response to the embassy attack, adding that the “big wave” of U.S. strikes on Iran was yet to come. Rubio confirmed that the U.S. military’s next phase will be “more punishing on Iran than it is right now.”
As the conflict spreads, including attacks between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, travel disruptions in the region have made it increasingly difficult for Americans to flee. Over 11,000 flights have been cancelled, with some airlines resuming limited repatriation services. Despite these efforts, countries like Qatar, Iran, and Iraq have closed their airspaces, further complicating the situation for those trying to leave.
The State Department’s warning also reflects the growing danger for U.S. nationals, with hundreds of thousands of Americans spread across the region. Though exact numbers are unclear, significant populations are based in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and other countries.
The travel advisory aligns with broader international concerns, as countries like the UK have also mobilised teams to assist their citizens in the region.
