State Department Issues Guidance for Americans Stuck in Middle East
The US State Department on Monday issued guidance for Americans stuck in the Middle East as part of Iran’s Operation Epic Fury.
The State Department issued guidance on the third day of the ongoing US military operation against Iran, following the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and nearly 50 senior leaders of the Iranian regime. US Central Command has announcement the death of four American soldiers during the operation, which, according to President Donald Trump, should last four or five weeks.
The State Department said Americans stuck in the Middle East region and in need of consular or emergency assistance can call 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada.
The department also recommends that Americans stuck in the Middle East enroll in STEP at step.state.gov to receive the latest updates from the nearest US embassy and follow the department on @travelgov on social media or on the WhatsApp channel “US Department of State – Security Updates for US Citizens”.
The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran is advising Americans to shelter in place “due to ongoing military operations” or to leave Iran by land “if safe to do so.”
The security alert provides further recommendations on steps to take to stay safe, as well as whether nearby borders are open to people seeking to flee the country.
READ MORE: **Livewire** Day Three of Operation Epic Fury: The Latest from Iran and the Middle East
Earlier Monday, embassies in the region issued warnings to U.S. citizens, including those in Lebanon, who informed to leave the country immediately as long as commercial flights remain available. In Iraq, the Americans were said to “exercise increased caution, maintain a low profile and shelter in place until further notice.”
The State Department did not immediately say how many U.S. citizens are stranded in the Middle East.
