Amid the expanding U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, the State Department has urged American citizens to leave 14 Middle East countries including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, and parts of Egypt and Yemen. Escalating violence, airspace closures, and thousands of canceled commercial flights have stranded many, prompting criticism from U.S. lawmakers demanding organized evacuations.
The State Department’s around-the-clock task force has assisted over 17,000 U.S. citizens seeking departure, successfully evacuating 6,500 via charter flights and facilitated commercial options as of March 5, 2026. The first State Department charter flight departed the region overnight, carrying Americans from locations such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan back to the U.S. Officials report over 9,000 Americans have left independently or with support, including more than 300 from Israel, with waivers on reimbursement for evacuation costs.
Automated embassy hotlines have informed callers that no formal evacuation points exist and government assistance cannot be guaranteed. Senior diplomats are exploring overland travel to third countries where air service is unavailable. Air travel disruptions persist as international carriers suspend operations amid drone and missile threats from Iran into the Gulf. U.S. Central Command leads regional forces, with more than 50,000 troops, 200 fighters, and two aircraft carriers deployed after initial strikes.
Lawmakers, including Democrats and some Republicans, press for scheduled military flights, highlighting the gap between Level 4 travel advisories—issued since January—and practical exit pathways.