US President, Donald Trump has announced that more than 9,000 Americans have safely returned home from the Middle East since the launch of Operation Epic Fury, as his administration continues evacuation efforts amid escalating regional tensions.
The statement, made in a Truth Social post, marks one of the first detailed figures released by the administration regarding the scope of the ongoing effort to assist US nationals seeking to leave the region.
Trump’s remarks come as military operations and instability in parts of the Middle East after US and Israeli strikes on Iran have prompted concerns for the safety of foreign nationals, including US citizens.
Washington has been working through diplomatic and logistical channels to facilitate departures, coordinating with the State Department and other agencies to provide travel assistance.
Several governments are evacuating or equally assessing options to assist their nationals stranded due to the escalating conflicts after US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Trump urged Americans who remain in the region and wish to return home to formally notify US authorities. “If you are a U.S. Citizen in the Middle East, and you want to come home, please register with the State Department at Step.State.Gov,” he said, referring to the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, commonly known as STEP. The online registration system allows US citizens abroad to provide their contact details and receive security updates and evacuation guidance.
According to the President, the State Department is actively identifying the locations of Americans who have registered and is working to arrange transportation options. “The Department will identify where you are, and provide travel options to you,” Trump said.
“We are already chartering flights, free of charge, and booking commercial options, which we expect will become increasingly available as time goes on.”
Donald Trump
In addition to online registration, Trump directed citizens to a dedicated emergency contact line. “U.S. Citizens may also call the 24/7 State Department Task Force at +1-202-501-4444,” he said. The around-the-clock task force is designed to respond to inquiries, provide updates, and help coordinate evacuation logistics for those in need.
The return of more than 9,000 Americans underscores the scale of the evacuation and the number of citizens potentially affected by the unfolding crisis.
Trump’s statement frames the evacuation effort as an ongoing operation rather than a completed mission. Although more than 9,000 citizens have already returned, the call for additional registrations suggests that others remain in the region and may still require assistance.
Evacuation efforts often present complex logistical challenges, particularly in regions experiencing active conflict or heightened security risks. Airspace closures, limited airport operations, and fluctuating security conditions can complicate travel arrangements
The expectation that commercial options “will become increasingly available as time goes on” indicates that US officials anticipate gradual stabilization of travel routes, allowing more Americans to depart through standard airline services. In the meantime, charter operations provide an interim solution for those seeking immediate departure.
US Facilitating Charter Flights From UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan
The US Department of State said in a statement that it is taking historic action to assist American citizens, who wish to depart the Middle East, return to the United States. It iterated that in the past several days, over 9,000 American citizens have safely returned from the Middle East, including over 300 from Israel.
The Department is facilitating charter flights from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan for American citizens, and will continue to secure additional capacity as security conditions allow.
Commercial aviation options remain available in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Egypt, and the Department is actively helping American citizens book those tickets.
For those in countries lacking commercial aviation availability, the Department is facilitating travel to third countries as conditions allow. That includes increasing ground transportation options for American citizens wishing to leave Israel.
The statement asserted that the Department has answered calls from nearly 3,000 American citizens in the Middle East and continues to provide travel options for those wishing to leave.
It added that the Department will also waive any statutory requirement for American citizens to reimburse the government for travel expenses.
The scale and pace of the evacuation effort may continue to evolve depending on security conditions and demand. For now, the administration is pointing to the return of thousands of citizens as evidence of progress, while urging those still abroad to make use of available channels to facilitate their safe return.
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