USurges citizens to leave Middle East amid Iran war escalation
US State Department orders immediate departure from 14 Middle Eastern countries including Israel, Iran, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia due to imminent safety risks following Iranian retaliatory strikes. The directive applies to all US citizens in Israel, occupied West Bank, Gaza Strip, Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, and Yemen. US officials confirmed six soldiers killed and three fighter jets lost in Iranian attacks. Critics question the directive's feasibility as affected countries closed airspaces. The conflict escalated Saturday when US/Israel launched offensive against Iran, triggering Tehran's missile strikes on US bases and interests. Over 550 deaths reported in Iran including leader Ali Khamenei and 185 schoolgirls, plus 10 confirmed deaths in Israel.