Hundreds of U.S. citizens faced delays and harassment while evacuating Iran ahead of a U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The situation highlights the broader challenges the U.S. faces in assisting its nationals in Iran, a country with no diplomatic ties since 1979. The State Department has said it has provided guidance to more than 25,000 people in Israel, the West Bank, and Iran, urging Americans not to travel to Iran due to heightened risks. The U.S. has not offered direct government-assisted departure from Iran, but it has advised citizens to use land routes through Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Turkey while Iranian airspace remains closed. Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee indicated the administration is exploring evacuation options for Americans in the region. The State Department has also opened a crisis intake form for U.S. citizens in Iran to report for consular assistance, though U.S. consular support in Iran is limited.
While many Americans were able to leave without issues, numerous citizens reported facing difficulties, with some detained. The State Department’s internal cable, dated Friday, cited by Reuters, described the challenges as part of the broader context of U.S. efforts to ensure the safety of its nationals in the region. The Department reiterated that U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, and wrongful detention. Dual nationals must use Iranian passports and be prepared for checkpoints and questioning from Iranian authorities. The State Department warned that the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals as Iranian citizens. The United States has also begun an emergency evacuation of citizens stranded abroad amid intensified tensions between Israel and Iran.
The situation underscores the delicate balance of geopolitical tensions in the region, where the U.S. is working to assist its citizens amid a rapidly escalating conflict. While the administration is exploring various options, including military, commercial, and charter flights, the immediate challenges of evacuation remain significant. The State Department has emphasized that while it has provided information and support to thousands, the limitations of U.S. consular assistance in Iran are a critical factor in the current situation. As tensions continue to rise, the situation for U.S. citizens in Iran remains precarious, with the U.S. administration focused on ensuring their safety and facilitating their departure under challenging conditions.