American citizens stranded across the Middle East following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran say they have struggled to secure evacuation assistance, with some reporting that official guidance from U.S. embassies and emergency hotlines advised them not to rely on government-organized departures.
The complaints surfaced as regional airspace disruptions, missile attacks and travel cancellations complicated exit routes for civilians across several Gulf states and neighboring countries. Many Americans say they attempted to contact the State Department for guidance but received limited assistance beyond automated warnings.
An emergency hotline message circulating among travelers delivered blunt advice: "Please do not rely on the US government for assisted departure or evacuation at this time." The recording added: "there are currently no United States evacuation points."
The message reflects the difficult environment confronting U.S. diplomats as the Iran conflict spreads across the region. Airlines have canceled flights, some airports have temporarily halted operations and missile and drone attacks have heightened security risks.
In Israel, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a statement acknowledging its limited capacity to assist Americans attempting to leave. The embassy said it was "not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel."
Instead, the embassy directed citizens to explore alternative transportation options, including shuttle services operated by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. The notice emphasized that the embassy was not endorsing those services and could not guarantee their safety.
Similar guidance appeared in other diplomatic posts across the region. The U.S. Embassy in Qatar warned that citizens should "not rely on the US government for assisted departure or evacuation," urging Americans to make their own contingency plans for leaving the country if conditions deteriorated.
At the same time, the State Department has issued urgent travel advisories covering between 14 and 16 Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Iraq. The warnings urged Americans to depart the region immediately due to escalating security threats.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the department was working to facilitate charter flights and military transport where possible. According to officials, evacuation planning has focused on a limited number of departure points in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Travel disruptions, however, have complicated those efforts. Commercial flight schedules have been reduced sharply and several airports have temporarily closed amid the expanding military confrontation.
Americans caught in the turmoil describe a confusing patchwork of advice and limited support. Some travelers reported receiving only automated responses from the State Department hotline.
One couple stranded in Dubai after a cruise cancellation told Business Insider they were still trying to determine how to leave safely. They said they were searching for clearer guidance from U.S. officials about available exit routes.
The situation has quickly become a political flashpoint in Washington. Rep. Ted Lieu, a Democrat from California, criticized the administration's approach, writing that the lack of an evacuation plan was "an absolute dereliction of duty."
