US Urges Citizens to ‘Depart Now’ from Middle East over Serious Safety Risks

ByEditor

Mar 3, 2026 #Americans leave Middle East, #Depart Now Middle East, #Donald Trump big wave comment, #Mora Namdar X post, #US Central Command Kuwait attack, #US embassy security alert, #US State Department travel warning

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The US State Department on Monday urged American citizens to “DEPART NOW” from countries across the Middle East, citing “serious safety risks” amid escalating tensions in the region.

In a post on X, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, called on US nationals to leave “using available commercial travel” and to seek assistance if necessary.

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

Namdar said Americans who require help arranging departure via commercial means can contact the State Department’s 24 hour assistance lines.

She also urged US citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program to receive the latest security updates from the nearest US embassy or consulate.

The unusually broad warning comes amid heightened instability and growing fears of further military escalation in the region.
President Donald Trump, speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper, said the “big wave” is yet to come, in remarks widely interpreted as signalling further developments in the crisis.

Separately, US Central Command said six service members died in an Iranian attack on US troops in Kuwait on Sunday.

The reported strike has intensified concerns about the safety of American personnel and civilians in the Gulf and surrounding areas.

The State Department did not specify the precise intelligence underpinning the latest advisory but stressed that Americans should prioritise their safety and depart while commercial options remain available.