Americans are being urged to evacuate the Middle East after the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia was hit by two Iranian drones. Unfortunately, travel is being impacted as many of the airports in the embattled region are closed. Here is a look at the latest in this escalating situation as stranded Americans try to get home.

More Evacuations in the Middle East Ordered on Tuesday

Growing security concerns in the Middle East prompted the U.S. State Department to order the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and their families in six countries on Tuesday. The decision came after Iran launched two drone strikes on the American Embassy in Saudi Arabia in retaliation for last week's assault by the U.S. and Israel.

American officials are telling U.S. citizens to leave the region as soon as possible. However, this is not an easy task, as many airports across the Middle East have grounded flights. Those who are not able to evacuate are being told to shelter in place.

The State Department recently created a task force to assist American citizens stranded in the region. Travel has become increasingly difficult as airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha were all hit by Iranian strikes.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a video on X detailing how Americans can contact State Department officials for further assistance. However, the phone number that Rubio provided leads to a recording that tells Americans that there are currently no evacuation points. The State Department confirmed later in the day on Tuesday that they are working to provide charters and military aircraft to assist Americans in leaving the region. The agency said that it has been in contact with almost 3,000 Americans abroad.

Complicating the situation is the fact that several U.S. Embassies are now working with limited staffing. These skeleton staffs are compromising operations at embassies located in Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia was forced to close completely after limited damage was sustained due to the drone strike. There were no injuries reported in the attack. The embassy in Kuwait was also closed due to impending threats.

Tuesday's evacuation notice came just a few days after the State Department issued what they call a "worldwide caution" alert for all citizens overseas. This was the first alert of its kind since last June, when the U.S. was involved in a brief conflict between Iran and Israel. By Monday, the State Department had told Americans to leave Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Late Tuesday, a suspected Iranian drone hit the grounds of the U.S. consulate in Dubai. Rubio later confirmed that a drone made a direct strike on a parking lot located next to the chancellery building. All U.S. personnel were accounted for, as the consulate was closed when the attack happened.

Latest News on the War

U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that the war could persist for over a month. The U.S. and Israel have joined together to strike several targets throughout Iran. These targets include Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, multiple military airfields, Iranian air defense capabilities, and various missile and drone launch sites. The attacks began late Friday, killing Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several lieutenants.

According to Iran's Red Crescent, almost 800 people have died on Iranian soil due to the strikes. The U.S. government confirmed that six American service members have died in combat. There have also been 11 confirmed Israeli fatalities after Iran launched its own set of strikes.

The conflict is spilling over into several other nations in the Middle East. A strike on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama, Bahrain, sent fears through the region that American hotels will be a soft target. As such, Americans are being told to avoid all hotels in the region. Beirut, Lebanon, has also sustained numerous attacks over the last few days.

Consular appointments through several American Embassies have been suspended in recent days. These include suspensions in Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and much of Pakistan. It is unclear when these appointments will resume.

American citizens in Kuwait have been instructed by the State Department to remain inside and to take cover in the lowest level of the structure away from windows. The airspace in Kuwait remains closed.

The situation is no better in Israel. The State Department told Americans in Jerusalem that they were “not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist  Americans in departing Israel.” However, the agency then confirmed later on Tuesday that it had already helped over 130 Americans leave Israel.

More stories of stranded Americans in Israel are pouring in. The biggest hurdle is that Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is still closed, with no commercial or charter flights able to leave. In the meantime, Rubio told Americans in the Middle East to register with the State Department to stay abreast of evacuation updates.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.