March 03, (THEWILL) — The United States Department of State has ordered American citizens to immediately depart Israel, Iran, and 14 other countries in the Middle East, citing escalating hostilities and serious security threats across the region.
In an urgent advisory issued on social media platform X, Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar said the department “urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks.”
The countries listed in the advisory include Israel, the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as well as Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
The directive follows a large-scale military offensive reportedly launched on Saturday by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets, marking a significant escalation in already heightened tensions.
In retaliation, Tehran is said to have fired missiles at U.S. military installations in several Gulf states, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Although the State Department did not disclose specific intelligence details, it warned that the security situation across the region remains volatile and could deteriorate without notice.
Americans currently in the affected countries were advised to monitor local media, maintain contact with U.S. embassies, and utilise commercial flights or other available means to leave immediately.
Security experts say the exchange of strikes has heightened risks to foreign nationals, diplomatic missions, critical infrastructure, and international shipping lanes, particularly in the Gulf region.
As of press time, there were no official reports confirming casualties involving U.S. civilians.
However, Washington stressed that the advisory reflects a rapidly evolving security environment and urged citizens not to delay departure plans.
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