US Issues ‘Depart Now’ Alert for Americans in Middle East After Iran Strikes

The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to depart the Middle East “immediately” as tensions escalate following U.S. And Israeli strikes against Iran over the weekend. The advisory, issued on March 2, 2026, covers a broad swath of the region, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The directive comes amid airspace closures and ongoing security concerns, including reported attacks on U.S. Facilities.

State Department Urges Immediate Departure

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department issued the “Depart now via commercial means due to serious safety risks” message via X (formerly Twitter) at 4 p.m. EST on March 2. The post directs Americans to contact the State Department at 1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. And Canada) and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://step.state.gov for security updates.

Escalating Tensions and Regional Impacts

The U.S. Strikes, described as pre-emptive by Secretary Rubio, were triggered by intelligence indicating Israel’s intention to attack Iran and the subsequent likelihood of retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. Forces in the region. As reported by The Guardian, Rubio explained that the Trump administration acted to minimize potential U.S. Casualties. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the initial strike that opened the conflict – killing supreme leader Ali Khamenei – was conducted using American intelligence, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Times of Israel details this revelation.

Airspace Disruptions and Embassy Operations

Several countries in the region have closed their airspace, disrupting commercial air travel. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar have all implemented airspace closures. Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) experienced suspensions of flight operations, though limited services have since resumed at DXB, with passengers advised to confirm flight status before traveling. Business Insider provides a detailed overview of the airspace disruptions.

The U.S. Government has as well ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar. U.S. Embassies in several locations have issued shelter-in-place advisories. The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan, has temporarily suspended operations, while the embassy in Islamabad remains open for routine and emergency consular services.

Specific Country Concerns

Lebanon: The U.S. Government advises against travel to Lebanon and urges citizens to depart immediately. The security situation is described as “volatile and unpredictable.”

Iraq: The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has advised Americans not to visit the embassy or consulate in Erbil and to shelter in place due to reports of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace. Demonstrations against the U.S. Are also occurring, particularly near the July 14th Bridge in Baghdad.

Israel and the West Bank/Gaza: All U.S. Government employees and their families were directed to shelter in place on Sunday, and Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights.

Bahrain: The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain warned that hotels may be targets for future attacks after the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama was reportedly struck on March 1, resulting in injuries.

Kuwait: The State Department warned of a continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks, advising U.S. Citizens to shelter in place and avoid the U.S. Embassy.

Saudi Arabia: The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was reportedly attacked by two drones on Monday evening, causing a limited fire. Shelter-in-place advisories were lifted in Jeddah but remain in effect in Dhahran.

Implications for Travelers and Businesses

The immediate impact is significant disruption for travelers with existing plans in the region. Airlines are scrambling to reroute flights and accommodate passengers. Businesses with operations in the affected countries face potential challenges, including supply chain disruptions, security concerns for personnel, and potential financial losses. The broader economic impact will depend on the duration and intensity of the conflict. Insurance costs for travel and operations in the Middle East are likely to increase substantially.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

The situation remains highly fluid. The U.S. And Israel are expected to continue monitoring the region for potential retaliatory attacks. Further airspace closures and travel disruptions are possible. The House of Representatives is expected to vote later this week on a war powers resolution that could force the Trump administration to end hostilities against Iran. The State Department will likely continue to update its travel advisories as the situation evolves. Americans in the region should closely monitor news reports, follow the guidance of U.S. Embassy personnel, and remain vigilant about their personal security.