Americans Stranded in the Middle East Demand Action as US Government Offers Limited Support: ‘I Felt Betrayed’

Cody Greene, a business development manager from Tampa, arrived in Dubai last Friday for a weeklong work trip. Following a drone strike at the Burj Khalifa hotel on Sunday, Greene began efforts to return home. As of Thursday, he remains stranded in Dubai, expressing feelings of betrayal by the US government. Greene stated, “The support, or lack thereof, from the US Government, has been utterly disgraceful.”

Across the Middle East, many Americans are grappling with the US government’s official advice to “depart now via commercial means due to serious safety risks,” which conflicts with the reality of closed airports and limited flight options.

Closed Airspaces, Limited Flights

The US government has urged citizens to leave 14 countries and territories in the Middle East. However, with key airports shut down and most US embassies closed, many Americans are receiving automated responses from government helplines, leaving them trapped and uncertain about how to follow the guidance.

The State Department has not responded to requests for comment regarding the situation. Many other governments have organized repatriation flights for their citizens, but the US government only announced plans for charter flights from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan on Tuesday evening. Despite some charter flights being available, travelers are facing significant challenges due to closed airspaces and limited departures.

As of Thursday, airspace in Qatar, Bahrain, Israel, and Kuwait remains closed, while a few flights have managed to take off from the UAE. Airlines such as Etihad Airways and Emirates have canceled all scheduled commercial flights until at least Sunday, although they have operated some repatriation flights, none of which are headed to the Americas.

Limited Embassy Support

Support from US embassies has also been minimal. The US embassy in Jerusalem stated it could not assist citizens with evacuation. The embassy in Qatar advised those remaining in the country to prepare contingency plans that do not rely on US government assistance. Some embassies have closed their doors and evacuated staff due to imminent threats, including drone attacks that have targeted the US Embassy in Riyadh.

Advice from US embassies across the region has included recommendations to shelter in place, keep cellphones charged, and monitor official information sources. However, the response has been inconsistent. The US embassy in Bahrain indicated readiness to assist Americans, while the embassy in Saudi Arabia noted limited ability to provide emergency services due to safety risks.

‘Where is the Help?’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged US citizens abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to facilitate communication and coordination. Greene expressed frustration with Rubio’s comments, stating that he had received no concrete assistance or communication regarding charter flights. He noted that he had contacted the helpline but was told to shelter in place with no plans in place for evacuation.

Emilia Vasquez, who traveled to Dubai to celebrate her birthday with her 6-year-old son, reported difficulties reaching the US helpline. Fellow US citizens in her hotel have also attempted to contact official channels, but none have received responses. Vasquez, whose return flight to New York was scheduled for Tuesday, expressed her frustration: “You guys are offering to get us out of here, but where is the help?”

Business Insider reported that when they called the State Department’s helpline, they received a pre-recorded message advising against relying on the government for assisted departure. Subsequent calls directed them to the US Middle East task force.

Soups Ranjan, CEO of the AI risk management platform Sardine, noted the swift actions taken by other countries to organize repatriation efforts. Ranjan, who was in the air when airstrikes began, managed to cross into Oman by private car and was hoping to catch a commercial flight from Muscat to Istanbul.

Increased Support on Thursday

As of Thursday, some US embassies in the Middle East have updated their guidance to provide links for American citizens to request assistance in departing the region. The State Department has shared a Crisis Intake Form for those in the area to sign up for departure assistance and announced the chartering of flights for American citizens returning to the US.

Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State, stated that by completing the form, American citizens would receive direct information about upcoming charter flights and ground transportation options. The State Department’s 24/7 Task Force has reportedly assisted nearly 10,000 Americans abroad, with approximately 20,000 citizens returning to the US from the Middle East since Saturday.

Greene and Vasquez, still stranded in Dubai, expressed disappointment that help had not arrived sooner. Greene remarked that it felt as if the US government had initiated the conflict without a plan for evacuating citizens like him.

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Published on 2026-03-05 19:43:00 • By Editorial Desk