State Department: LEAVE NOW!

Department of State sign in front of building.

Over one million Americans face immediate danger in 14 Middle Eastern countries as the State Department issues a stark “DEPART NOW” order amid Iran’s furious retaliation to President Trump’s decisive strikes.

Story Highlights

State Department urges all U.S. nationals to leave 14 countries immediately using commercial flights due to escalating war risks.
U.S.-Israel strikes on over 1,000 Iranian sites triggered Iran’s missile and drone attacks on U.S. embassies and Gulf states.
Embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait closed after direct hits; over 1 million Americans at risk with airspace disruptions.
President Trump confirms strikes ahead of schedule with unlimited munitions for a prolonged campaign to neutralize Iran’s threats.
Six U.S. troops killed, highlighting the high stakes of confronting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs head-on.

Urgent State Department Advisory

On March 2, 2026, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar issued the advisory targeting U.S. nationals in Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The directive demands immediate departure via commercial flights. Non-emergency U.S. government personnel and families received orders to evacuate from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. This unprecedented “DEPART NOW” language underscores the highest level of urgency amid active hostilities.

Trigger: U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran

U.S. and Israeli forces launched joint strikes on March 1, 2026, hitting over 1,000 Iranian sites including leadership targets, ballistic missiles, nuclear infrastructure, and naval assets. President Trump authorized the operation as a last best chance to eliminate long-standing threats from Iran’s nuclear program and missile arsenal. Trump stated the campaign is ahead of schedule with virtually unlimited munitions prepared for a potentially weeks-long effort. This bold action reverses decades of appeasement that allowed Iran’s aggression to fester.

Iran’s Retaliatory Attacks Spread Chaos

Iran responded with missiles and drones striking U.S. embassies and bases in Gulf states. Drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on March 2, causing a fire and forcing closure on March 3. Smoke from nearby Iranian attacks prompted the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait to shut down, canceling consular services. Qatar downed two Iranian jets on March 2. These asymmetric attacks by Iran and its proxies aim to broaden the conflict, endangering American lives and regional allies. The Gulf Cooperation Council warned of military countermeasures, signaling unified resistance to Iranian spillover.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted guidance noting limited commercial exit options and no direct embassy evacuations. Over one million Americans remain in the region as airspace closures limit escape routes. The State Department urges enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates.

Casualties and Ongoing Developments

As of March 3, 2026, the war entered its fourth day. U.S. forces reported eliminating Iran’s top leaders early in the campaign, though unconfirmed independently. Six U.S. troops died and 18 suffered wounds. Iran claimed 787 deaths from the strikes, per its Red Crescent. Airports and ports face disruptions, stranding travelers and halting aviation. Tourism and diplomacy strain under the pressure, while U.S. military logistics ramp up munitions production. Short-term risks include evac delays; long-term implications point to sustained U.S. pressure to dismantle Iran’s threat network.

President Trump’s leadership prioritizes American security by confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions directly, protecting U.S. interests and allies from further aggression. Gulf states’ defensive actions bolster this front against Tehran’s expansionism. Americans must heed the warning and prioritize safe exit amid closing windows.