In the days after the U.S. and Israel began an air war against Iran, the State Department issued new travel advisories urging Americans to reconsider trips across parts of the region. For many already there, the warnings arrived after commercial travel routes had narrowed or shut down.
Thousands of Americans are now stuck in countries including Jordan, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates as Iran retaliates with drone attacks on U.S. facilities. Democratic lawmakers and current and former State Department officials have criticized the Trump administration for failing to plan for what they describe as a foreseeable scenario.
Conflicting Guidance And Closed Airports
U.S. citizens in several countries reported receiving mixed instructions. In some cases, they were urged to leave immediately even as airports were closed. Others were told to contact U.S. embassies, only to encounter busy lines or staff unable to provide direct help.
In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, dozens of Democrats wrote that the lack of preparation and communication was unacceptable. A senior State Department official, speaking anonymously, said clearer planning would have reduced how many people were placed in danger.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the rapid escalation, telling reporters Tuesday: “It happened all very quickly.”
Attacks On U.S. Facilities Across The Region
The retaliatory campaign has included multiple reported incidents involving U.S. diplomatic sites. The U.S. Embassy in Jordan was evacuated amid threats. The U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait was struck by a drone. The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia caught fire after being hit by two Iranian drones. A drone attack also ignited a parking lot outside the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, according to the account.
Officials said at least six American service members have been killed since the U.S. and Israel began strikes on Iran. There have been no reports of American civilian deaths.
Advisory Levels And The Timing Questions
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s approach, saying the State Department had issued many warnings and that some countries had been under Level 4 guidance since January. Level 4 is the highest advisory tier and signals “do not travel.” Countries with that designation before the war included Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
But after the air campaign began, the State Department issued Level 3 “reconsider travel” advisories for at least seven countries: Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Cyprus. Critics argue the shift came after airspace risks were already rising.
Evacuations, Staffing Strain, And A Family Deadline Missed
Rubio said the key obstacle is airspace closures linked to aerial attacks. He said the U.S. organized flights for citizens but some countries closed their skies. The Defense Department said it planned to support evacuation with C-17 cargo planes, while State Department officials said they were arranging charter flights.
Late Wednesday, the State Department said on X that one charter flight had departed the region and was en route to the U.S. The department also said it had assisted nearly 6,500 Americans abroad with security guidance and travel support.
Current and former diplomats said staffing cuts and unfilled ambassador roles have weakened crisis readiness. The American Foreign Service Association said the moment exposed gaps created by the loss of experienced personnel, including specialists in Farsi and Arabic.
Cody Greene, a 36-year-old from Tampa stranded in Dubai, said he missed his son’s first birthday and felt unsupported. He said the hotline number provided by the State Department offered an automated message and no direct help. “I feel betrayed and left out to dry by my own government,” he said.