U.S. State Department Issues Safety Guidance to 25,000 Citizens in Israel, West Bank, and Iran Amid Escalating Tensions

The U.S. State Department has announced that it has provided guidance to more than 25,000 individuals in Israel, the West Bank, and Iran. This move comes amid escalating tensions in the region, though the specific nature of the guidance was not detailed in the announcement. The State Department emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of affected individuals, particularly in areas of heightened geopolitical instability. The announcement did not specify whether the guidance was related to security concerns, travel advisories, or other forms of assistance. However, the large number of recipients suggests a significant outreach effort. The State Department also noted that former President Donald Trump will play a key role in determining how the U.S. handles its relations with Iran moving forward. This statement underscores the ongoing influence of Trump on U.S. foreign policy, even after his presidency. The briefing did not provide further details on the timeline or specific actions planned, leaving room for speculation about future diplomatic or strategic moves. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

The U.S. Department of State has initiated assisted departure flights for American citizens from Israel, as confirmed by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Two flights carrying approximately 70 U.S. citizens, their immediate family members, and lawful permanent residents departed from Tel Aviv to Athens on June 21, 2025. This evacuation effort began hours before President Trump announced U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The State Department has urged other U.S. citizens in Israel or the West Bank needing assistance to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and complete a crisis intake form for timely updates.

The announcement followed days of confusion regarding U.S. government assistance for evacuations. On June 18, Ambassador Huckabee stated that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem was assisting with evacuation flights and cruise ship departures, but the State Department later clarified that no official announcement had been made. The next day, the embassy informed STEP enrollees that contingency plans were being developed for private citizen departures, requesting interested individuals to fill out an online form.

Additionally, the State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Israel, warning against travel due to armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest. Ben Gurion International Airport is currently closed, and several commercial airlines have suspended flights to the U.S. Meanwhile, private efforts, such as those by Birthright Israel, have evacuated around 1,500 program participants.

On June 21, a military flight evacuated 79 U.S. Embassy staff and their families from Tel Aviv to Sofia, Bulgaria, with plans for a connecting charter flight to Washington. Over 6,400 U.S. citizens in Israel filled out the online form on the same day, with an additional 3,265 calling an emergency number for assistance. The State Department estimates that 300 to 500 people daily may require evacuation assistance if flights or ships are offered. Approximately 700,000 Americans, many dual nationals, reside in Israel, though exact numbers are unclear due to no mandatory embassy notifications.

In Iran, at least 84 U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have crossed into Azerbaijan by land, with 774 granted entry permission as of June 21. The escalating conflict has heightened concerns, with President Trump warning of further attacks on Iran if necessary.