US tells citizens to evacuate Middle East ahead of Trump’s Iran deadline

Officials are urging citizens to reconsider travel and take precautions as tensions surge in the Gulf, The Hill reports

A United States Air Force (USAF) B-52 Stratofortress bomber, which is loaded with munitions, departs from RAF Fairford airbase, amid the US–Israeli conflict with Iran, in Fairford, Gloucestershire, Britain, Apr 7, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville

The US State Department has issued a stark warning to American citizens in the Middle East, urging evacuation as President Donald Trump threatens a sweeping bombing campaign against Iran, The Hill reports.

The advisory comes amid growing concern over Trump’s stated deadline of 8pm EDT for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or agree to negotiations.

“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans worldwide. On March 2 we issued a region-wide precautionary message to Americans in the Middle East in light of evolving dynamics,” the US Embassy in Cairo said in a post on the social platform X, according to The Hill.

The escalation prompted the State Department to raise travel advisories in Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to Level 3, urging citizens to reconsider travel due to “serious risks to safety and security”.

Nearly a month ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage, officials also advised religious travellers to reconsider participation, noting that entry to Makkah will require a Hajj permit, local residency ID, or valid work permit from Apr 18.

“All other visa holders should depart Makkah before Apr 18,” the Bureau of Consular Affairs stated on X, with measures set to remain until mid-June.

Routine consular services have been suspended, with only emergency assistance available.

Egypt remains at Level 2, prompting travellers to exercise increased caution.

An American digital media, The Hill reports that US officials have flagged threats from extremist and Iranian-aligned actors, including possible attacks on university campuses.

In Bahrain, American government employees and citizens have been told to shelter in place.

“Remain in a secure structure, and stay away from windows. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items,” the advisory instructed.

The alert follows the closure of US embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait after Tehran-launched strikes targeted both countries, highlighting the heightened volatility across the region, The Hill notes.