The State Department has facilitated the return of nearly 28,000 Americans from the Middle East since fighting in Iran escalated following Operation Epic Fury, according to a letter from a top department official to Senate Democrats.
The letter, written by Paul Guaglianone, the State Department's senior bureau official of legislative affairs, outlines a large-scale evacuation effort that includes chartered flights, ground transport from closed-airspace areas and round-the-clock crisis staffing. The communication was first obtained by Fox News Digital.
Guaglianone's letter responds directly to criticism from Senate Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who have argued that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration have not prioritized placing experienced ambassadors in Middle East posts, hindering evacuation efforts.
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Democrats led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., have escalated criticism of the administration's diplomatic response, arguing that a lack of experienced ambassadors has hampered evacuation efforts.
The lawmakers noted that three ambassadors were dismissed in Qatar, Kuwait and Egypt without explanation, and that the administration is behind schedule in finding replacements. "Of the 14 countries where the Department urged Americans to urgently leave last Monday, only six have confirmed ambassadors," the Democrats wrote. "There are currently no pending nominees before the Senate for ambassadorships in the Middle East."
The senators argued that many key posts lack experienced senior leadership at a time of crisis. "Simply put, abrupt decision-making and lack of planning by State Department leadership to ensure the safety and security of its own staff left our personnel and their families unnecessarily at risk," they continued. "Days into the conflict, the Department still appears caught off-guard and lacks a clear, comprehensive plan to safeguard American personnel, their families or other Americans in the region."
What the Right Is Saying
The State Department, through Guaglianone's letter, has defended its response as proactive and effective amid extraordinary circumstances.
Guaglianone wrote that before the strikes, the agency "planned immediate measures to protect and evacuate U.S. citizens." He noted that diplomats and officials have faced "multiple direct strikes from the Iranian regime" while continuing their work.
"The professionalism and competence of America's diplomatic corps are inspiring," Guaglianone wrote. "The Department has taken all necessary steps to protect its safety, both in the region and at posts worldwide." He added that despite ongoing threats, "our diplomats remain active and focused" and continue communicating with allies while advancing American diplomatic interests.
The department is providing frequent updates to more than 106,000 Americans enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, operating a 24/7 call center with no wait times and responding quickly to congressional inquiries.
What the Numbers Show
The State Department reports nearly 28,000 American citizens have returned from the Middle East since the conflict escalated. More than 106,000 Americans are enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program receiving crisis updates.
The department is chartering additional planes for Americans in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Oman. Ground transportation is being offered in areas with closed airspace.
However, one notable data point: "At this time, nearly one in three American citizens who requested help departing turn down U.S. government-provided transportation options when contacted," Guaglianone wrote. Some American citizens wish to remain in-country, while others prefer alternative departure options.
The letter noted that Americans in Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel who complete the Crisis Intake form receive direct outreach about upcoming charter aviation and ground transportation options.
The Bottom Line
The dispute between Senate Democrats and the State Department highlights a tension in crisis management: the administration asserts it has taken proactive steps to evacuate Americans, while lawmakers question whether adequate diplomatic infrastructure was in place before the crisis began.
The vacancy issue looms large in the debate. With no pending ambassador nominations for Middle East posts and three regional ambassadors dismissed without explanation, Democrats argue the department was ill-prepared. The administration counters that its crisis response has been effective despite unprecedented circumstances.
What to watch: Senate Democrats on the Foreign Relations Committee are likely to pursue further oversight hearings on the ambassador vacancy situation. The State Department continues its evacuation operations, with charter flights and ground transport remaining available to Americans who wish to leave the region.