USA Says It Cannot Assist Its Citizens Evacuate Israel As Conflict With Iran Continues
- The United States of America has urged its citizens to leave the Middle East as the conflict between the US, Iran, and Israel continued
- The United States also surprised and unsettled many when it said it could not assist citizens in leaving the affected countries
- Netizens blasted the US government for the statement, and some called for prayers for Americans in the Middle East
Tebogo Mokwena, affiliated with Briefly News, covered local and international politics, political analysis, and interviews in South Africa for Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News during his 10 years of experience.
Source: Getty Images
MIDDLE EAST — The United States has not organised any evacuations of its citizens in the Middle East and urged its citizens to leave the region through commercial means. The warning was given to US citizens on 2 March 2026, days after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February.
According to BBC News, the US embassy in Jerusalem, Israel, warned its citizens that it was not in a position to evacuate or assist Americans in departing Israel directly. The embassy was also closed on 3 March. The US also said that shuttle service towards the Taba Border Crossing with Egypt has begun operating. However, it could not recommend whether it was safe to use it.
Other countries providing support to their citizens
BBC News noted, however, that contrary to the US’s stance, other European nations have reached out to their citizens. The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, called on British citizens to register their presence to receive the best possible support. France said it was ready to transport citizens who are facing the most risk in the Middle East.
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What you need to know about the US-Israel-Iran conflict
- Iran retaliated after the United States’ attack and launched a strike, hitting a US naval base in neighbouring Bahrain
- President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to the crisis and called for open dialogue between the conflicting sides
- Iran’s state television confirmed that the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed during the strikes on Iran
- South Africans who were stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates pleaded for the government to assist as airports closed
- South Africans living in different parts of the Middle East opened up about their fears and concerns for their safety
Source: Getty Images
US government faces criticism
The announcement drew heavy criticism on X, and some were worried about the US citizens in the Middle East.
Barnabas said:
“Imagine being an American in Israel right now, and your government says they can’t directly help you leave. That’s scary to read. If the US can’t directly assist evacuations right now, that means the situation on the ground is more complicated than the news suggests.”
Car of the Day noted:
“Their planning is just poor because their energies are focused on war, and they forgot about the safety of their civilians.”
Nat & Ver asked:
“What happened to America First?”
Aji. Bayo Chibuzor was concerned:
“That’s deeply concerning. In moments like this, clear communication and urgent coordination are critical. Hoping safe evacuation options and support channels are made available as quickly as possible for those affected.”
Pope Leo XIV urges end to conflict
In a related article, Briefly News reported that Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern about the conflict in the Middle East. He has called fo dialogue between the conflicting states.
The Pope said that stability and peace are not achievable through mutual threats or through the use of weapons. He warned that there would be further large-scale bloodshed if the escalation in violence continued.
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Source: Briefly News
