US urges citizens to leave Israel amid threat of strike on Iran
Feb 27th 2026
The State Department has authorised non-essential staff departures and urged US citizens to consider leaving Israel as talks with Iran faltered and US military forces were moved into position.
- The State Department authorised departure of non-essential US government staff and advised citizens to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights remain available.
- US embassy ambassador Mike Huckabee urged staff to book flights immediately, warning of high demand for airline seats.
- Diplomatic talks between the US and Iran in Geneva ended inconclusively and technical-level meetings are scheduled next week in Vienna under IAEA auspices.
- President Trump has positioned two carrier strike groups as a potential option if he judges Iran not serious about curbing its nuclear programme.
- Oman’s foreign minister flew to Washington to press US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, to delay military action.
- Key issues include Iran’s refusal to export enriched uranium, its offer of needs-based enrichment at 20% or lower for a medical reactor, and a roughly 400 kilogram stockpile enriched to 60% that could be downblended subject to IAEA verification.