The U.S. Department of State has issued an urgent advisory calling on American citizens to leave several Middle Eastern nations as escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran raise security concerns across the region.

The warning follows a dramatic weekend escalation in which U.S. and Israeli forces conducted joint air operations across multiple cities in Iran. The military campaign, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” reportedly targeted high-level Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at his residence in Tehran.

Iranian Leader Reportedly Killed in Coordinated Strikes

Ali Khamenei, who had governed Iran for over three decades, was reportedly killed during the operation. Satellite imagery released after the strikes appeared to show extensive destruction at his residential compound in Tehran, where he and other senior officials were believed to be staying at the time.

In response to the attacks, Iran is said to have launched retaliatory strikes targeting locations across the Gulf region. Reports indicate missile and drone activity in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. One of the alleged targets included the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh.

President Donald Trump addressed the retaliation and outlined potential next steps following what he described as an aggressive response from Iran.

Countries Currently Under U.S. Travel Warning

As tensions intensify, the State Department has urged Americans currently living in or visiting the following countries to leave as soon as possible:

Bahrain

Egypt

Iran

Iraq

Israel

West Bank and Gaza

Jordan

Kuwait

Lebanon

Oman

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

Syria

United Arab Emirates

Yemen

According to an official notice regarding the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. government ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members on March 2, 2026, citing the growing threat of armed conflict.

Officials stated that since clashes began on February 28, there has been an elevated risk of missile and drone attacks originating from Iran. Air travel throughout the region has also been heavily disrupted, with some airports temporarily suspending operations due to security concerns. Iranian authorities have publicly signaled their intention to target sites within the UAE that are connected to the United States.

President Trump Comments on Ongoing Conflict

In an interview with NBC News, President Trump indicated that the conflict may continue for several weeks. While initial projections estimated the operation could last four to five weeks, he suggested the United States has the capacity to sustain military engagement beyond that timeframe if necessary.

Trump described Operation Epic Fury as one of the most extensive and complex military campaigns ever undertaken. He also confirmed the death of Khamenei, referring to him as a long-time adversary responsible for violence against Americans and civilians across multiple countries.

The president further acknowledged that U.S. military casualties could increase as operations continue. Following the deaths of four American service members, Trump stated that additional losses may occur, though he emphasized efforts would be made to minimize further harm.