Additional Coverage:
- The US is urging Americans to leave 14 Middle Eastern countries amid the Iran conflict. Here’s what’s happening in each. (businessinsider.com)
US State Department Issues Urgent “Depart Now” Advisory for Americans in 14 Middle Eastern Nations Amid Escalating Conflict
The US State Department has issued an urgent directive for American citizens to “depart now” from 14 Middle Eastern countries, a move that has plunged thousands into travel disarray. This unprecedented advisory comes in the wake of escalating retaliatory attacks from Iran, targeting neighboring US allies and military installations across the region.
The urgent plea, disseminated via an X post on March 2, emphasized “serious safety risks” and urged Americans to utilize any available commercial means for immediate evacuation. This advisory follows Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israel military campaign launched on March 1, which struck Iranian military targets and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In the days since, Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes in Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, among other nations. The intensifying conflict, which President Donald Trump suggested could last “four or five weeks,” has led to widespread airspace closures and significant travel disruptions throughout the region.
For many Americans living in these countries, securing an exit has proven challenging. Several US embassies across the region have indicated they are “not in a position” to directly assist with evacuations. While countries like the UK, Italy, and France have chartered private flights for their citizens, US officials are reportedly exploring similar options.
On Tuesday, President Trump stated on Truth Social that “more than 9,000 Americans have safely returned home from the Middle East.” He further encouraged citizens in the region to contact the State Department, assuring that “The Department will identify where you are, and provide travel options to you,” including “chartering flights, free of charge, and booking commercial options, which we expect will become increasingly available as time goes on.”
Meanwhile, many Americans who have established lives in these nations are experiencing the direct impact of the military conflict. Below is a detailed look at the countries under the “depart now” advisory and how they have been affected:
Bahrain
As the headquarters for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, Bahrain has faced direct retaliatory attacks from Iran.
A drone and missile strike on Sunday reportedly hit several structures at the headquarters, including satellite communications terminals. An Iranian drone also targeted the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama, prompting the US Embassy to advise citizens to avoid hotels in the city.
Civilian buildings and infrastructure in Manama have also been hit. The country’s airspace remains closed indefinitely, and the US Embassy has suspended operations.
Egypt
While not directly targeted, Egypt has experienced significant travel disruptions and was included in the State Department’s evacuation list due to safety concerns.
As of March 4, Egyptian airspace remained open, with commercial airports operational despite flight cancellations and delays. The US Embassy in Egypt confirmed it was “open and operating normally.”
Iran
At the epicenter of the conflict, Iran has been subjected to intense US and Israeli strikes.
Over the weekend, the joint military campaign targeted high-profile government buildings, military compounds, and strategic infrastructure, leading to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a looming succession crisis. US and Israeli forces are believed to have severely degraded Iranian air defenses and naval assets.
Commercial air traffic in the country remains effectively shut down.
Iraq
Caught between missile paths from Iran and Israel, Iraqi airspace has been closed since the conflict began.
US military facilities in Iraq have become primary targets for drone and missile attacks. Iran and its proxy militias have launched continuous strikes on Erbil International Airport, which houses a US military installation.
On Tuesday, Iraqi defenses intercepted a drone targeting Baghdad International Airport.
Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Since launching what the Israeli government calls Operation Roaring Lion, Israel has endured waves of retaliatory drone and missile attacks.
While the country’s Iron Dome air defense systems have largely intercepted incoming threats, its airspace remains closed. The US Embassy in Jerusalem announced the suspension of its operations on Monday, stating it was “not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.”
Jordan
Jordan has also been a target of retaliatory strikes.
While its air defense system has reportedly shot down drones and missiles, falling debris from intercepted attempts has been reported nationwide. Jordanian airspace has experienced intermittent closures during the conflict.
Kuwait
US military facilities in Kuwait, including Ali Al Salem Air Base, have been targeted by Iranian missiles and drone attacks, which Kuwaiti air defenses have intercepted. Tragically, an Iranian drone strike on a US military facility near a civilian port in Kuwait on Sunday resulted in the deaths of six American soldiers.
Lebanon
Lebanon has faced intense Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
The renewed fighting has killed dozens of civilians and displaced thousands as residents flee intensified strikes and follow evacuation orders. While Lebanese airspace remains open, many international carriers have suspended flights, and several governments have advised airlines to avoid the airspace.
Oman
Oman, a nation known for mediating between Iran and the US, has also been affected.
A tanker in the Port of Duqm was struck by a drone, and another oil tanker was attacked in Omani waters, raising concerns about shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz. The country’s airspace remains open, and its international airport in Muscat has become a regional hub for repatriation flights.
Qatar
Home to the largest US military installation in the region, Qatar has been a target for Iranian attacks.
On Monday, the country announced it had shot down two Iranian bombers, and Al Udeid Air Base was struck by a ballistic missile on Tuesday. Hamad International Airport has also been targeted by air attacks, mostly intercepted.
Qatari airspace remains closed until March 6.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has also faced Iranian retaliatory strikes, including a drone attack on the US Embassy in Riyadh.
Other missile and drone attacks have been intercepted by the country’s air defense systems. Saudi airspace has largely remained open, with its international airports serving as crucial travel corridors amidst flight reroutings.
Syria
The presence of Iranian-backed militias in Syria has made it a target for Israeli and US strikes, which have hit Damascus International Airport and military positions. Syrian airspace remains completely closed until March 7.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE, long seen as a stable haven, is now facing significant security challenges.
Within the first 48 hours of the conflict, the UAE was a primary target for Iranian retaliatory strikes, with missiles and drones aimed at airports, maritime ports, and oil structures. While air defense systems have intercepted most attacks, debris and strikes have caused fires in critical locations, including Dubai International Airport, the Fairmont The Palm hotel, and the US Consulate in Dubai.
As of March 4, most commercial flights are suspended, airspace is partially closed, and international airports are operating limited flights.
Yemen
The US/Israel-Iran conflict has intensified existing tensions in Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthis hold control. Yemeni airspace remains closed to civilian air traffic, and maritime commercial shipping routes through the Red Sea have sharply declined.