The U.S. Department of State has directed Americans to immediately leave over a dozen countries across the Middle East, citing “serious safety risks” as fighting intensifies in the region.

In a statement posted Monday on X, Mora Namdar said the department “urges Americans to DEPART NOW” and advised U.S. citizens to use available commercial transportation rather than wait for potential government-organized evacuations.

A corresponding security notice listed Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The advisory comes two days after coordinated military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.

President Donald Trump said Monday that the campaign against Iran could last several weeks. Iran and its regional allies have responded with attacks on Israel, Gulf states, and energy-related targets. The reported killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, combined with the scale of the strikes and no clear exit strategy, has heightened concerns about a prolonged and destabilizing conflict.

Parts of the region, including Dubai, have reported incoming fire. Airline disruptions have left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded globally, oil prices have surged, and U.S. allies have pledged assistance in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.

The State Department did not detail specific threats but underscored growing instability across both longstanding conflict zones, such as Syria and Yemen, and key U.S. partners, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Americans seeking assistance with commercial travel were advised to contact the department’s 24-hour emergency lines. Citizens abroad can call 202-501-4444, while those in the United States and Canada can call 888-407-4747. The department also encouraged enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at Step.State.gov, which provides security updates and allows U.S. embassies to contact travelers during emergencies.

State Department travel advisories range from Level 1, “Exercise Normal Precautions,” to Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” the most severe designation. Officials have previously warned that deteriorating security conditions can limit the U.S. government’s ability to provide assistance in-country.

No timeline was given for how long the departure advisory will remain in effect.