Middle East
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, departs from Souda Naval Base near Chania on the island of Crete, Greece, on February 26, 2026. Photo: Giannis Angelakis / AP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States and China on Friday urged citizens to consider leaving Israel and Iran, citing security risks as tensions escalate in the region and diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue without agreement.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem said in a statement that “the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel from Mission Israel due to safety risks.”
The announcement comes as the United States has deployed warships and fighter jets in what is described as the largest military buildup in the Middle East in decades. Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran if talks fail, while Tehran has previously employed aggressive tactics, including blocking a key international waterway during earlier rounds of negotiations.
It added that “In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank.”
“Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available,” the statement said.
This comes despite the conclusion of a third round of talks on Thursday between the US and Iran in Geneva without a final agreement. Badr Al-Busaidi, who is mediating the talks, announced on X that both sides are set to hold another round of “technical level” talks in Vienna next week and that “significant progress” has been made.
Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement that it and its embassies and consulates in Iran “remind Chinese citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran, and Chinese citizens in the area to strengthen their security precautions and evacuate as soon as possible.”
“The Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will provide necessary assistance to Chinese citizens through commercial flights or overland transfers,” the statement added.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem said in a statement that “the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel from Mission Israel due to safety risks.”
The announcement comes as the United States has deployed warships and fighter jets in what is described as the largest military buildup in the Middle East in decades. Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran if talks fail, while Tehran has previously employed aggressive tactics, including blocking a key international waterway during earlier rounds of negotiations.
It added that “In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank.”
“Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available,” the statement said.
This comes despite the conclusion of a third round of talks on Thursday between the US and Iran in Geneva without a final agreement. Badr Al-Busaidi, who is mediating the talks, announced on X that both sides are set to hold another round of “technical level” talks in Vienna next week and that “significant progress” has been made.
Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement that it and its embassies and consulates in Iran “remind Chinese citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran, and Chinese citizens in the area to strengthen their security precautions and evacuate as soon as possible.”
“The Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will provide necessary assistance to Chinese citizens through commercial flights or overland transfers,” the statement added.
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