State Department orders immediate US citizen evacuation from Middle East amid Iran conflict
The US State Department issued an urgent mandate on Monday, instructing all American citizens in the Middle East to depart the region immediately. Officials urged the use of any available transportation as the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran escalates.
The directive follows weekend precision strikes by US and Israeli forces against Iranian military assets, including IRGC command centers and air defense systems. In response, Tehran launched retaliatory attacks that have paralyzed regional infrastructure and diplomatic operations.
Regional infrastructure collapse
Major transit hubs, including airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, have sustained direct hits and suspended all commercial operations. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv also remains closed, effectively sealing primary exit routes from the heart of the conflict.
The State Department has established an emergency task force, but officials warn that options are dwindling. Many embassies and consulates have suspended routine and emergency services as diplomatic personnel are evacuated.
Specific security threats
In Bahrain, US citizens were warned to avoid hotels following an attack on the Crowne Plaza in Manama. In Kuwait, Americans are advised to remain indoors, seeking shelter on lower floors away from windows due to ongoing missile and drone threats.
The US Embassy in Jordan evacuated its personnel on Monday, March 2, following credible threats. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Israel stated it is currently unable to provide direct evacuation assistance to those remaining in the country.
Casualties and political fallout
President Donald Trump suggested the conflict could persist for a month or longer. While Iranian sources report over 200 deaths following the elimination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Pentagon confirmed six US service members were killed and 18 wounded in the exchanges.
This marks the first "Worldwide Caution" alert since June 2025. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized in a video statement that the safety of US citizens remains the administration's "number one priority" despite the deteriorating security landscape.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
