US Issues Urgent Evacuation Order for Citizens from Multiple Middle East Countries

The US State Department has issued an urgent directive for American citizens to depart from more than 10 Middle East countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, via commercial flights rather than awaiting potential government evacuation operations. Officials cited "serious security risks" as the reason, following escalated tensions after reported joint US-Israel attacks on Iran.

Reports state that Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in these attacks, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli targets as well as regional facilities. Threats to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz have increased, and global oil prices have risen. Former US President Donald Trump stated the conflict could last more than a month.

Global leaders have called for restraint and a return to diplomacy. The European Commission president and UN Secretary-General warned of humanitarian and security consequences. Russia and China described the attacks as violations of international law, while France urged Iran to engage in talks on its nuclear and missile programs. The European Union placed its Red Sea naval mission on high alert.

US officials advised citizens to contact emergency State Department lines and register for updates, noting that airspace closures and flight cancellations could prolong the situation. Analysts indicated potential for days or weeks of disruption.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted during the attacks found 27% of Americans support the US strikes on Iran that resulted in Khamenei's death, with 43% opposed and 29% undecided. Over half (56%) believe Trump is too quick to use military force, a view held by 87% of Democrats. Even among Republicans, 42% of Trump supporters said they would be less supportive if the attacks led to US military casualties.

Reactions to Khamenei's death included Reza Pahlavi stating he had been "wiped from the pages of history." US Rep. Yasmine Ansari called him a "symbol of evil," adding that military force alone cannot ensure a democratic future for Iranians. Sen. Bernie Sanders labeled the action "illegal and a violation of international law," calling for congressional war powers approval.