Nearly 24,000 American citizens have returned to the United States from the Middle East since late February as regional tensions continue to escalate, according to the U.S. State Department.

Officials said the evacuations reflect Washington’s ongoing efforts to assist American citizens seeking to leave the region amid heightened security concerns and geopolitical uncertainty.

Speaking on Friday, Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson confirmed that the figure includes only those Americans who have already arrived safely back in the United States. The number does not include U.S. citizens who have temporarily relocated to other countries or those who are still in transit.

“Since February 28, nearly 24,000 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East,” Johnson said.

The State Department said it has been proactively reaching out to U.S. citizens across the region to provide travel assistance, including charter flights and ground transportation where necessary. Officials emphasized that outreach efforts are continuing to ensure that Americans who wish to leave the region receive timely support.

“The Department continues to proactively call American citizens to offer charter flight or ground transport travel assistance,” Johnson said.

Several charter flights organized by the U.S. government have already transported hundreds of Americans back home. Additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days, depending on evolving security conditions on the ground.

Officials also noted that commercial flight availability in the Middle East has gradually begun to improve, providing more travel options for those seeking to depart the region independently.

“Commercial flight availability across the region continues to improve with commercial options available in most of the region,” Johnson said.

At the same time, the State Department has urged American citizens still in the Middle East to register through its Crisis Intake Form, which helps authorities coordinate travel assistance and provide real-time updates.

The advisory specifically applies to Americans currently located in Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel who require assistance leaving the region.

Through the State Department’s 24-hour Task Force, officials said they have already directly assisted nearly 13,000 Americans abroad by offering security guidance, logistical coordination, and travel support.

“Through the State Department’s 24/7 Task Force, we have directly assisted nearly 13,000 Americans abroad, offering security guidance and travel assistance,” Johnson said.

U.S. authorities reiterated that efforts to help citizens leave the Middle East will continue as long as necessary.

“The State Department will continue to actively assist any American citizen who wishes to depart the Middle East,” Johnson added.

Americans in the region requiring immediate help can contact the State Department’s emergency hotline, which operates around the clock.