WASHINGTON, D.C. March 3, 2026 – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a direct appeal to American citizens in the Middle East who are in need of assistance, urging them to register their locations and contact information so the State Department can coordinate support effectively.
In a video message posted on the official Department of State X account, Secretary Rubio stated: “We need to know where you are and have contact information to assist. Please use the two phone numbers we’ve put out and the website to register so we can coordinate appropriately.”
Emergency Assistance Contacts:
– +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas)
– +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada)
Americans are also strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step. This free registration allows U.S. embassies and consulates to send real-time security updates and assists in emergency coordination.
The appeal comes as the United States has issued urgent “Depart Now” advisories for U.S. citizens across more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries — including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel (including the West Bank and Gaza), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen — due to serious safety risks stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation.
Commercial air travel has been severely disrupted across the region, leaving many Americans stranded. In response, the State Department has activated a 24/7 task force, is facilitating charter flights from hubs such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, and is exploring military aircraft options where needed. Officials report that approximately 9,000 Americans have already been evacuated, with around 1,500 still requesting assistance.
“Our number one priority is the safety and the security of American citizens everywhere in the world,” Secretary Rubio has emphasized.
U.S. citizens in the region are advised to:
– Monitor the latest updates at travel.state.gov
– Follow @TravelGov on X for real-time alerts
– Depart via any available commercial transportation while registering for additional support
The linked State Department post, including the full video message from Secretary Rubio, can be viewed here: https://x.com/i/status/2028950950837133422
This advisory reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to safeguard Americans amid rapidly evolving security conditions in the Middle East.
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