State Department says 43K Americans have returned from Middle East amid Iran conflict

The State Department confirmed Wednesday that over 43,000 Americans have returned from the Middle East safely since conflict broke out in the region late last month.

The department said it has completed more than three dozen charter flights from the region since Israel and the United States launched missiles at Iran on Feb. 28, and the department has evacuated at least 30,000 Americans from the Middle East.

"Hundreds of experienced personnel are working tirelessly to assist Americans in the Middle East looking to depart," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on X. "Over 43,000 Americans have safely returned to the United States and [the State Department] has assisted nearly 30,000 through our 24/7 task force."

The department noted that as commercial flights in the region pick up, the State Department will decrease its chartered flights because of a lack of demand. 

"Most Americans who requested assistance have declined assistance when offered, opting either to remain in country or book commercial flight options," the department said in a news release.

The department also reminded Americans in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that they can complete a crisis intake form to receive assistance with their departure.