US evacuates 9,000 citizens from Middle East amid Iran war

US State Department has evacuated approximately 9,000 Americans from the Middle East since war erupted between the United States and Iran, with 1,500 more seeking assistance. Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed emergency evacuation operations using charter flights, military aircraft and commercial options over the past three days. Operations face complications from airspace closures and attacks on infrastructure, forcing some flights to turn back mid-journey. Rubio urged remaining citizens to register locations immediately, stressing that timely communication is critical. Land evacuations into neighboring countries remain an option if airports become inaccessible. No US personnel were harmed in a drone strike near Dubai's diplomatic facility, though embassies face heightened security threats. US Central Command is degrading Iran's missile systems, launchers and naval capacity as part of conflict objectives.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/04/us-evacuates-9000-citizens-from-middle-east-amid-iran-war/