Overview

• The State Department activated an authorized departure status for nonessential embassy staff and families in Israel, moving personnel out via government planes and approved land routes.
• U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee announced evacuation flights and cruise ship departures for American citizens on the embassy’s X account, a stance later contradicted by the Bureau of Consular Affairs saying no plan had been finalized.
• President Trump has expressed uncertainty over launching U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, indicating he may act if deemed necessary.
• Israel’s airspace has been mostly closed since its surprise June 13 missile attack on Iran, with Tehran’s retaliatory salvos killing two dozen Israelis and injuring hundreds while Israeli strikes have killed hundreds of Iranians, including senior military leaders.
• Washington has repositioned military aircraft and naval assets to the Middle East and previously ordered nonessential personnel from its Baghdad embassy to leave in anticipation of conflict spillover.