The State Department said Tuesday it is arranging military aircraft and charter flights to help Americans leave the Middle East as tensions surge following U.S.- and Israeli-led strikes over the weekend.
"Yes, the State Department is actively securing military aircraft and charter flights for American citizens who wish to leave the Middle East," Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, said in a public statement.
"We've been in direct contact with nearly 3,000 Americans abroad. American citizens should call 1-202-501-4444 for assistance with departure options."
The announcement comes amid mounting instability across parts of the region after coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian-linked sites. The operation has raised fears of broader retaliation, prompting airspace closings, flight cancellations, and heightened security alerts in several countries.
Commercial routes have become increasingly unreliable, leaving many Americans scrambling for alternatives. Some airports have suspended operations temporarily, while major international carriers have rerouted or halted flights altogether.
In an interview with NBC News, one stranded American described the chaos at a regional airport after flights were abruptly canceled.
"We were told our flight was delayed, and then suddenly it was just canceled with no clear explanation," said Oliver Sims, 24, a content creator from Dallas. "People were crowding the counters trying to rebook, but there were no seats available anywhere. Everyone's just trying to find a way out."
U.S. officials have urged Americans in affected countries to depart using commercial transportation where available, but acknowledged that deteriorating conditions may require additional evacuation support.
While no formal mass evacuation has been announced, the State Department's move to secure military and charter aircraft signals growing concern about the safety of U.S. citizens in the region.
Officials say the situation remains fluid and are advising Americans to monitor travel advisories closely and maintain contact with U.S. embassies and consulates.
"Our number one priority is the safety and the security of American citizens everywhere in the world," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a recorded message of his own.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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