Washington: More than 40,000 Americans have returned to the US from the Middle East since the start of joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, the State Department announced Tuesday. Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson stated that the agency completed more than two dozen charter flights and directly assisted over 27,000 Americans abroad with security guidance and travel assistance.

According to Anadolu Agency, ground transport operations and charter flights were continuing as commercial flight availability across the region gradually improved. This effort marks an increase from the 36,000 evacuees reported Monday. Assistant Secretary Johnson emphasized the State Department's ongoing commitment to assist any American citizen wishing to leave the Middle East.

The escalation in the region began when Israel and the US launched a joint attack against Iran on Feb. 28, reportedly resulting in over 1,200 fatalities, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Since the campaign started, eight US service members have been killed.