Donald Trump has set the Middle East on fire and poured gasoline onto the flames. The joint American/Israeli strikes on Iran have resulted in widespread chaos throughout the region. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on US bases and the countries hosting them, resulting in the until-now unimaginable sight of bombs raining down on cities like Dubai.
Major airports are closed (some after suffering direct strikes), leaving thousands stranded far from home across the Middle East. Some countries, like the UK, are pulling out all the stops to get their civilians back to safety.
But Americans? Well, I’d say the message was simply “good luck”, but the Trump administration hasn’t even wished them that. Despite the Trump administration urging its citizens to leave, no help is being given to do so. As a snapshot of what’s going on, retired Major General Randy Manner appeared on CNN last night to describe the situation as “disheartening”:
Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), who is currently stranded in the UAE: "One of the small things that does matter to tens of thousands of people here as well as their families — it's a little bit disheartening to hear that the UK govt is arranging transport for the British… pic.twitter.com/8iqCLZXpZ6
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 2, 2026
“One of the small things that does matter to tens of thousands of people here as well as their families – it’s a little bit disheartening and a little bit envious to hear that the BBC has announced UK govt is actually arranging transport for the British citizens to be able to extrac them. Whereas here as Americans we feel abandoned.
The State Departments have talked to two embassy personnel at two different embassies. They are in survival mode quite frankly because as we know the administration reduced their budgets by almost one half over the past year.”
“Not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans”
Manner’s claim is backed up by messages from the embassies themselves. For example, the US Embassy Jerusalem lays out specifically that it’s “not in a position” to assist Americans right now. I mean, that’s… kind of your job?
The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.
— U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (@usembassyjlm) March 3, 2026
The following is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has begun operating shuttles to the Taba… pic.twitter.com/E6a5z0mE58
They have fobbed off responsibility to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, but underline that they will not help Americans get onto the evacuation list and bear no responsibility for their citizens’ safety:
“The U.S. Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) the Ministry of Tourism’s shuttle. If you choose to avail yourself of this option to depart, the U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety.”
You might assume that one of the richest superpowers on Earth would be able to help its citizens get out of the warzone they themselves have created. But apparently not. But if Trump administration won’t say good luck to Americans, I will. Good luck out there! Try not to die!
