Washington DC: Even as the Indian government is taking every possible step to ensure the safe return of its nationals stranded in Iran and the Middle East amid the escalating conflict in the region, the US Embassy has said it is not in a position now to help evacuate American citizens wanting to leave Israel.
Instead, the embassy has advised individuals to make their own security plans amid the evolving situation.
The embassy said in an advisory that it is “not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.” Instead, the embassy provided information about alternative travel options that are being arranged by Israeli authorities.
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has initiated shuttle services to the Taba Border Crossing on March 2, and Americans wishing to use the shuttle have to register through the Ministry’s evacuation form.
However, the US embassy clarified it cannot endorse or discourage the shuttle option.
“The US Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) about the Ministry of Tourism’s shuttle. If you choose to avail of this option to depart, the US government cannot guarantee your safety,” read the advisory said.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has urged Americans to leave the Middle East, including Egypt and the Gulf states, in view of US and Israel’s war on Iran.
“The State Department urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks,” assistant secretary of state for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar wrote in a post on social media.
The countries included in the warning were — Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday that military operations against Iran won’t lead to an “endless war”, emphasising that Operation Epic Fury had a “clear, devastating, decisive mission” to “destroy the missile threat” from Iran, destroy its navy and “no nukes.”
US troops have been suffering losses as Iran has been targeting American bases in different locations in the Middle East as retaliatory measure. President Donald Trump vowed to avenge deaths of American soldiers, but also warned against ‘likely more’ deaths of US troops.
