The State Department says nearly 28,000 Americans have been brought out of the Middle East as the agency scrambled to move citizens and diplomats after fighting escalated following Operation Epic Fury. A senior State Department official sent a detailed letter to Senate Democrats defending the evacuation effort, outlining flights, ground transports and 24/7 crisis staffing while responding to criticized gaps in ambassadorial coverage. The back-and-forth between diplomats on the ground and lawmakers in Washington highlights both the limits of chaos and the reality that many Americans are choosing their own paths home.
The State Department’s message was blunt: it has “taken proactive, rapid action to support Americans in the region.” That line comes from an internal letter to Senate Democrats and sets the tone for the agency’s account of what officials say has been a swift, large-scale response. The number nearly 28,000 is the headline figure officials point to as tangible evidence of that effort.
Evacuation work has not been limited to flights out of major hubs; it has included chartered flights, ground transport from closed-airspace areas and round-the-clock crisis staffing. Those measures are aimed at reaching Americans who might be stuck where commercial options vanish or where airspace is unsafe. On the ground, embassy teams have been juggling logistics, security and shifting travel windows.
In the letter, Paul Guaglianone, the State Department’s senior bureau official of legislative affairs, said the agency had “planned immediate measures to protect and evacuate U.S. citizens” prior to the worst of the strikes. That planning, he argues, was part of a rapid posture shift as the situation deteriorated. Officials emphasize prepositioned resources and contingency options that could be activated quickly.
Guaglianone’s correspondence also notes diplomats have endured “multiple direct strikes from the Iranian regime.” He then offered a clear endorsement of career staff, writing, “The professionalism and competence of America’s diplomatic corps are inspiring,” and adding, “The Department has taken all necessary steps to protect its safety, both in the region and at posts worldwide.” Those are strong lines meant to reassure families and push back on headlines about chaos.
He followed that by stressing ongoing work: “Despite ongoing threats, our diplomats remain active and focused,” he continued. “They continue to communicate with our allies and partners and advance American diplomatic interests.” That tone reflects a Washington line many Republicans are echoing: diplomacy continues even when tensions spike and military action looms.
Still, Senate Democrats led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen criticized the administration, arguing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration have “not prioritized getting experienced ambassadors in place in the Middle East,” which they say hindered the response. The lawmakers pointed out that three ambassadors were dismissed “without explanation,” and warned that holes in senior leadership can complicate crisis responses at a time when fast decisions matter.
The Democrats pressed harder, noting that “Of the 14 countries where the Department urged Americans to urgently leave last Monday, only six have confirmed ambassadors.” They wrote that there were “currently no pending nominees before the Senate for ambassadorships in the Middle East” and warned that missing senior leaders during a crisis can create real gaps in command and clearance. Their most pointed line accused the department of failing personnel: “Simply put, abrupt decision-making and lack of planning by State Department leadership to ensure the safety and security of its own staff left our personnel and their families unnecessarily at risk.”
Responding to questions about outreach, Guaglianone said the agency is providing frequent updates to more than 106,000 Americans enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and operating a 24/7 call center that officials say has no wait times. He also emphasized close coordination with members of Congress as staff work to assist constituents. That direct contact is part of the administration’s effort to show hands-on crisis management instead of finger-pointing.
Operationally, Guaglianone wrote the department is chartering additional planes as commercial seats open up in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Oman, and that ground transportation is being offered in areas with closed airspace. Americans in Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel who complete the Crisis Intake form reportedly get direct outreach about upcoming charter aviation and ground transport options. Officials stress flexibility because commercial schedules and flight corridors are changing hourly.
Guaglianone also acknowledged choices Americans are making in the crisis, writing, “At this time, nearly one in three American citizens who requested help departing turn down U.S. government-provided transportation options when contacted.” He added, “Some American citizens wish to remain in-country, while others prefer an alternative departure option.” That admission undercuts any notion of a one-size-fits-all evacuation and makes clear many people weigh risk differently and opt for private arrangements.
