Hundreds of US Citizens Flee Iran Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

Hundreds of American citizens have fled Iran over the past week amid escalating airstrikes between Iran and Israel, traversing land routes through Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Turkey, according to an internal US State Department cable. While many exited without incident, numerous Americans reported delays, harassment, and at least two were detained during their attempts to leave. The lack of formal diplomatic relations between the US and Iran complicates evacuation efforts, with no direct US government-assisted departures expected. Concurrently, the US evacuated 79 personnel and family members from its embassy in Israel, where over 6,400 Americans have registered for potential evacuation amid heightened regional tensions. President Trump has publicly stated he will decide within two weeks whether the US will militarily intervene alongside Israel, emphasizing a preference for diplomacy but warning of possible strikes against Iran. The growing unease reflects the precarious situation for Americans caught in the conflict zones, while Washington navigates a complex geopolitical crisis without established diplomatic channels in Iran.