Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) voiced strong concerns on Thursday regarding the U.S. Transportation Command and the State Department’s efforts to evacuate stranded American citizens in the Middle East amid ongoing hostilities with Iran. Speaking during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Warren pointed out that tens of thousands of Americans may still be trapped in the region, criticizing the Trump administration for its perceived lack of proactive measures.
“The Trump administration chose this war and made no plans to safeguard hundreds of thousands of Americans in the region. There is no excuse for this,” Warren emphasized, holding the administration accountable as violence escalates from Iran to neighboring countries. Since the conflict began, many Americans reported feeling isolated and abandoned.
Following the outbreak of hostilities, the State Department issued urgent warnings for citizens to “DEPART NOW,” prompting many to scramble for safety. However, some individuals felt they were left to navigate a complex and chaotic situation on their own. In response to growing criticism, a State Department spokesperson indicated that efforts to ramp up flights for American citizens were underway, with nearly 47,000 citizens having returned to the U.S. through more than two dozen charter flights.
Gen. Randall Reed, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), testified that his unit has facilitated the airlift of hundreds of Americans. However, Warren pressed Reed for more aggressive action on behalf of Americans still stranded. “What I’m trying to understand is why you’re not doing more,” she stated, citing constituents who have been stuck for almost two weeks without adequate assistance from the federal government.
Although some Americans have successfully evacuated or opted to remain in the region, others continue to face significant challenges. The State Department asserts it is “now working 24/7 to bring Americans home.” Yet, tensions remain high as lawmakers like Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) share personal accounts of their efforts to assist families left behind. Mace posted about a trip she took to the Middle East to help a family from her district, expressing concern for the hundreds, if not thousands, still stranded.
Congressional aides report widespread feelings of anxiety and frustration among Americans affected by the situation. One Senate Democratic caseworker, speaking anonymously, described constituents from various countries-including the UAE, Qatar, Israel, and Kuwait-who are desperate to leave but feel abandoned by the government.
The initial inconsistent messaging from authorities added to the panic. Early on, guidance prompted individuals to shelter in place, but the sudden “DEPART NOW” directive created confusion as airspace closures made commercial flights nearly impossible. A help line provided by the government suffered from long wait times, leaving many feeling unsupported.
As the crisis continues, families in the U.S. are anxiously awaiting updates while their loved ones remain in increasingly perilous circumstances. The urgency of the situation underscores the pressing need for more coordinated and comprehensive action to ensure the safety of American citizens abroad.
The ongoing conflict has reignited concerns over government preparedness and responsiveness in crisis situations, raising important questions about the support provided to citizens during international emergencies.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/12/warren-state-department-americans-stuck-middle-east-iran-israel-war.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-13 02:53:00
