Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that more than 9,000 Americans have been successfully evacuated from the Middle East amid an escalating crisis involving Iran. The President emphasized the importance of US citizens in the region registering with the State Department to facilitate further evacuations.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Trump urged US citizens in the Middle East to register at Step.State.Gov, stating that the State Department will assist in identifying their locations and provide various travel options. The US government is chartering flights at no cost and securing commercial flight options as they become more available.

The crisis has intensified following coordinated attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, resulting in nearly 800 deaths, including key figures such as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes against Israel and Gulf countries, where US military assets are stationed.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that an Iranian strike on a tactical operations center in Kuwait resulted in the deaths of six US service members, with several others injured during the operation.