Amid escalating tensions, the US government has issued a critical advisory to its citizens, urging them to depart the Middle East immediately. The advisory comes as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran intensifies, posing significant safety concerns. The State Department's recommendation applies to Americans in Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
The US has not yet organized any evacuations, despite the cancellation or suspension of numerous flights in the region since the US and Israel's military strikes on Iran. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at US-allied nations in the Middle East.
An estimated 500,000 to one million US nationals reside in the Middle East, though exact figures are elusive due to the absence of mandatory registration with US authorities when Americans move abroad. The State Department advises Americans to monitor 'the latest security updates' from nearby embassies and consulates and provides hotlines for assistance.
The US embassy in Jerusalem, however, faces challenges in facilitating evacuations. It cannot currently assist Americans in leaving Israel and will be closed on Tuesday. The embassy has initiated shuttle services to the Taba Border Crossing with Egypt, but it cannot offer recommendations for or against using these services.
Other countries are also taking action. France, for instance, has expressed readiness to repatriate its citizens at high risk in the Middle East, utilizing both commercial and military flights. Approximately 400,000 French nationals are believed to be in the region.
Similarly, the UK government has urged its citizens in the Middle East to register their presence. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of this registration to provide the best support. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper estimated that around 300,000 British citizens are in the region, many of whom are holidaymakers, transit passengers, or on business trips. The UK has previously employed registration schemes to offer urgent updates during international crises, but the current situation's scale is unprecedented.
