Depart now’: US urges Americans to leave over a dozen Middle East countries

The United States has urged its citizens to “depart now” from more than a dozen countries across the Middle East, warning of serious safety risks as fighting between Israel and Iran intensifies.In a statement posted online, Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar said the United States Department of State was advising Americans to leave using available commercial transport. Those requiring assistance were told to call emergency consular lines or enrol in the Smart Traveller programme to receive updates from the nearest US embassy or consulate.The warning covers Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The travel alert comes as US President Donald Trump said military operations against Iran could last “four to five weeks” and potentially longer. Washington and Israel have launched sustained strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-linked facilities, while Tehran and its regional allies have retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israel and Gulf states.Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that “the hardest hits are yet to come”, adding that the next phase would be “even more punishing on Iran”. The White House says the objectives include dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, crippling its navy and preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.The conflict has already spread beyond Iran and Israel. Saudi Arabia said drones targeted its Ras Tanura oil refinery, though air defences intercepted the attack. Qatar reported that its air force shot down two Iranian aircraft, while several ships have been struck in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies.The violence has also caused mounting casualties. Iranian authorities say hundreds have been killed in US-Israeli strikes. In Israel, missile attacks have left civilians dead, including three siblings laid to rest in Jerusalem. The US military confirmed that six American service members have died since the start of operations.