Updated on March 3, 3:00 P.M. EST
Amid the escalating conflict with Iran, the U.S. Department of State is urging American citizens in more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries to “DEPART NOW,” including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel (as well as the West Bank and Gaza), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, using any available commercial transportation due to serious safety risks.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee advised travelers today that those wishing to depart Israel should do so via Egypt, after Israel’s airspace was closed Saturday following preemptive strikes on Iran. In a social media video, Huckabee explained that the Tourism Ministry is providing buses from Herzliya, Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem to Taba, just across the border in Egypt, where “limited” flights are available from Taba International Airport.
“The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel,” Huckabee wrote on X.
Original Story
The United States Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution on Sunday, Feb. 28, following joint U.S. military strikes on Iran, warning Americans abroad to exercise increased vigilance amid escalating regional tensions.
The notice states: “Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.”
The advisory cites a heightened risk of retaliatory violence and potential terrorist attacks targeting U.S. citizens and facilities.
Shelter-in-Place Notifications Issued
U.S. embassies in several countries—among them Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq and Oman—have issued Shelter-in-Place notifications for American citizens. As of this morning, the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus released a specific security alert regarding drone threats in the Paphos region. Meanwhile, authorities in Qatar have authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel.
Airspace Disruptions
Travel disruptions are already unfolding across the region. Periodic and sudden airspace closures in parts of the Middle East have led to flight cancellations and rapid schedule changes at major aviation hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
Reports indicate that some travelers have been temporarily stranded as airlines adjust routings and await clearance to resume normal operations. The State Department noted that additional airspace restrictions could be implemented with little notice.
