By Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell, The Daily Signal | March 16, 2026
More than 60,000 American citizens have left the Middle East since President Donald Trump launched Operation Epic Fury in Iran, according to the State Department.
The agency says it has arranged more than 50 charter flights out of the Middle East for American citizens. More than 61,000 have been able to leave the area despite flight disruptions caused by the war since Feb. 28.
The State Department says it has also provided security guidance and travel assistance to more than 41,000 American citizens.
“The safety of American citizens at home and abroad will always be the Trump administration’s top priority,” principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott told The Daily Signal in a statement.
“The State Department swiftly worked to safeguard American citizens in the Middle East and used a range of options, including charter flights, ground transportation, and coordination with commercial airlines, to ensure the safety of Americans,” he added.
Pigott said State Department personnel have worked “around the clock” to contact every American who requested assistance in leaving the Middle East.
“In the weeks leading up to the strikes, the State Department adjusted travel advisories to caution American citizens against traveling to various nations in the Middle East, urged American citizens present in these nations to depart, and quickly activated our 24/7 task force to assist Americans after the operations in Iran began,” Pigott said.
Requests for departure were approved with “unprecedented speed” and in “coordination with posts based on their assessment of the latest security developments,” according to Pigott.
“Our highest priority is the safety and security of Americans, including our diplomats,” he said.
Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell is the White House Correspondent for "The Daily Signal."
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