US Asks Americans to Depart 15 Middle East Countries Immediately Over Safety Risks

The United States has issued an urgent advisory asking American citizens to immediately leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to rising security risks linked to the ongoing US-Iran-Israel conflict.

The US Department of State directed Americans to use available commercial transportation to depart while flights are still operational. Officials warned that the security environment in the region remains highly unpredictable.

Countries Covered Under Advisory

The advisory applies to Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

In a public statement, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said Americans should leave “due to serious safety risks.” A 24/7 helpline has been activated for those seeking assistance.

The US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, also announced that its personnel had departed the premises following a reported threat.

Emergency Task Force Activated

Washington has activated an inter-agency emergency task force to coordinate evacuations and monitor developments across the region. Officials said the move is part of broader contingency planning as hostilities intensify.

The advisory follows recent updates to travel warnings for multiple countries, with several now marked under “Do Not Travel” recommendations.

Conflict Driving Regional Instability

The warning comes days after joint US-Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian leadership and military facilities, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting US and Israeli interests across the Gulf.

The widening conflict has disrupted airspace across the Middle East, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays. Major transit hubs in the Gulf have reported operational disruptions as airlines reroute or suspend services.

Energy Markets on Edge

The crisis has also affected global energy markets. Iranian officials have threatened action in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments.

Oil prices surged amid fears of supply disruption. US officials have indicated that measures to stabilise energy markets will be announced soon.

Safety First Approach

US authorities emphasised that citizens should act promptly while commercial options remain available. They advised travellers to stay in close contact with embassies, monitor official alerts and avoid unnecessary movement in high-risk areas.

With tensions continuing to rise and retaliatory threats escalating, the situation remains fluid. Washington has reiterated that the safety of American nationals remains its top priority as the regional crisis unfolds.