Overview
- The State Department says it is facilitating charter flights from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan and is actively securing military aircraft for departures.
- Roughly 1,500 Americans have requested assistance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he is confident the government can help all who seek to leave despite airspace closures.
- Officials are helping travelers book commercial seats from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt, arranging travel to third countries where needed, and expanding ground transport from Israel.
- Americans report confusion over guidance as a recorded hotline message discouraged relying on U.S. evacuations and the Jerusalem embassy issued conflicting statements about assistance.
- Political scrutiny intensified as President Donald Trump questioned the lack of advance evacuation plans and lawmakers criticized planning, while the U.S. ordered departures at six posts and temporarily closed several diplomatic facilities for security.