“DEPART NOW”: U.S. Orders Mass Evacuation Across Middle East Amid Embassy Attacks

WASHINGTON D.C. / KUWAIT CITY — The security situation for Westerners in the Middle East has collapsed in the 72 hours following the joint U.S.-Israeli strike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. With Iran targeting U.S. diplomatic and military hubs, Washington is urging all nationals to utilize remaining commercial transportation before regional airspaces potentially close permanently.

1. The “Departure List”

The State Department has identified 15 specific countries and territories where the risk to American lives is now considered extreme. Residents and travelers in the following areas are urged to leave immediately:

• Gulf Nations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
• Levant & Middle East: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq
• North Africa: Egypt
• Conflict Zones: Iran, Yemen, Palestine (Gaza and West Bank)

2. Embassies Under Fire

The evacuation order follows direct kinetic attacks on U.S. sovereign soil (embassies) in the Gulf:

• Kuwait City: On Monday, a drone strike near the U.S. Embassy caused significant smoke and fire. Officials ordered all personnel to “shelter in place” and warned citizens to avoid the area entirely.
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Early Tuesday morning, Saudi defense officials confirmed a drone hit the U.S. Embassy compound. While the fire was described as “small” and damage “limited,” it represents a massive breach of diplomatic security.

3. Emergency Assistance for U.S. Nationals

For Americans unable to secure commercial flights or requiring immediate consular assistance, the State Department has activated emergency hotlines:

• From Abroad: +1-202-501-4444
• From U.S./Canada: +1-888-407-4747

Regional Status: March 3, 2026