According toThe Times of Israel, the United States Department of State reports that more than 32,000 Americans have returned to the U.S. from across the Middle East since the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran on February 28, 2026.
The figure was provided by Dylan Johnson, Dylan Johnson, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs, as part of an update on the ongoing situation. Johnson clarified that the number includes Americans who have already returned to the United States and does not account for those relocating to other countries or currently traveling back.
The U.S. government has encouraged its citizens in the region to use available commercial flights to leave the Middle East. Johnson noted that while commercial travel has been a primary option, the government has also arranged additional transportation, including nearly two dozen charter flights, to assist Americans seeking to depart from various countries across the region.
The update follows early criticism of the U.S. government for not having a clear evacuation plan in place at the start of the conflict, which raised concerns for Americans living or traveling in the region. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens are believed to be spread across multiple Middle Eastern countries.
Johnson added that the State Department continues to expand pathways for Americans wishing to exit the region, including government-organized charter flights and ground transport where security conditions permit.
“While commercial flight availability across the region continues to improve, Department of State charter flight and ground transport operations continue to ramp up, as security conditions allow,” he wrote.
He also noted that not all Americans requesting assistance choose to use government-arranged transportation. “At this time, more than half of American citizens who requested help departing turn down U.S. government-provided transportation options when contacted. Some wish to remain in country, while others prefer an alternative departure option,” Johnson said.
The State Department continues to monitor the situation closely while providing travel assistance and evacuation options for U.S. citizens during the ongoing conflict.