Amidst escalating tensions, the United States has taken a series of actions to protect its citizens in the Middle East. The country has closed several embassies and is urging Americans to flee the region, citing ongoing heavy and pinpoint bombing as a threat to peace. This comes as a stark contrast to the administration's earlier stance, which was criticized by Democrats for its lack of strategy and planning. The situation has led to a complex web of consequences, including the deaths of American service members, attacks on embassies, and a sense of urgency among citizens and officials alike.
The Riyadh embassy, for instance, advised Americans to shelter in place as hostilities continued, while the U.S. mission in Saudi Arabia warned of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran, a key oil hub. These actions have been taken even before the weekend, with American officials sending diplomatic staff home and the State Department allowing non-essential personnel to leave the U.S. embassy in Israel due to safety risks. The embassy in Beirut has also pulled out its non-essential staff.
However, the embassy in Jerusalem faces challenges in evacuating or directly assisting Americans in departing Israel, as stated on X. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee emphasized the limited options available for U.S. citizens looking to leave the country. The situation has sparked criticism from Democrats, who accuse the White House of failing its citizens and lacking a clear strategy.
The strikes, which are unpopular among an American electorate focused on affordability and wary of long-term foreign conflicts, have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, remains confident that the operation will end soon, aiming to create conditions for the Iranian people to form a democratically elected government.
The military's Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), which uses commercial air carriers for transportation needs, is on standby due to airspace closures in the Middle East. However, the program's activation is uncertain, as airlines await word on whether their planes will be used for evacuations. The Defense Department and U.S. Transportation Command are the activating authority for CRAF, and the program has been activated only three times since its creation in 1951.
