US Intensifies Evacuations Following Strikes on Iran
In response to escalating tensions after confirmed strikes on Iran, the United States has sharply increased evacuation efforts and issued heightened travel advisories for American citizens throughout the Middle East. The State Department has doubled evacuation flights out of Israel and initiated a reduction of diplomatic personnel in volatile regions such as Lebanon and Iraq.
Increased Evacuations from Israel
Since Saturday, the US Embassy in Jerusalem began operating flights to evacuate Americans. Two government-operated flights transported 67 US citizens to Athens. Although an airspace closure in Israel disrupted the initial plans for four additional flights on Sunday, rescheduling efforts are underway. The embassy aims to run up to six evacuation flights to Athens by Monday, alongside chartered flights to Rome and Cyprus.
Additionally, a cruise ship carrying over 1,000 Americans, including numerous Jewish teens on an educational tour, safely docked in Cyprus, further facilitating evacuations.
Embassy Adjustments and Regional Cautions
In Lebanon, the State Department directed all nonessential embassy staff and their families to depart from Beirut, citing an unpredictable and volatile security atmosphere. While no evacuation flights were organized, Americans were advised to leave via commercial transportation.
Travel warnings were also extended to US citizens in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. In Saudi Arabia, personnel were urged to avoid military sites, while in Turkey, US government staff were instructed to refrain from visiting the Adana consular district, which includes the Incirlik NATO base. The State Department highlighted rising anti-US sentiments and potential threats against American and Western interests within Turkey.
Meanwhile, diplomatic staff withdrawals continue in Iraq's Baghdad and Erbil missions following prior evacuation directives. Additional personnel left Iraq between June 21 and 22 as part of this ongoing drawdown process initiated earlier in the month.
Global Advisory for Americans Abroad
On Sunday, a worldwide alert advised all American citizens abroad to remain vigilant due to disrupted regional travel and potential demonstrations targeting US nationals amid the Israel-Iran conflict.
Recent reports indicate that over 7,900 Americans have requested assistance to leave Israel, while more than 1,000 Americans, predominantly dual US-Iranian nationals, sought help in exiting Iran. Despite the absence of US diplomatic representation in Iran, roughly 200 Americans have reportedly crossed into Azerbaijan via land routes.
Rising Tensions and the Prospect of Iranian Regime Change
In a public statement on social media, the US President hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran, stating:
“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”
Concerns over the humanitarian toll continue to grow. Reports from human rights organizations indicate that Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 950 people and injured approximately 3,450 across Iran. Among the fatalities, 380 civilians and 253 security personnel have been confirmed.
The US administration has cautioned Tehran against retaliation in the wake of the joint Israeli-American offensive, as tensions in the region remain fraught.
