State Department authorizes up to $40M for Middle East evacuation flights

The Hill
by Ashleigh Fields
March 10, 2026
2 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

State Department authorized $40 million for Middle East evacuation flights due to US-Iran conflict.

How This Affects You

This authorization indicates potential for increased instability in the Middle East, which could impact global oil prices and your travel plans.

AI Summary

The State Department has authorized up to $40 million in emergency funds for evacuation flights from the Middle East. These funds are designated for situations arising from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, as confirmed by two U.S. officials. The allocation draws from a reserve typically used for diplomatic and consular staff emergencies. This action indicates a preparedness for potential large-scale evacuations amidst regional instability, signaling a proactive measure by the Trump administration. The authorization underscores ongoing concerns regarding the safety of U.S. personnel and citizens in the Middle East.

What's Being Done

The State Department authorized up to $40 million for emergency evacuation flights from the Middle East.

Source Coverage Map

2 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

5% coverage
Did Not Cover (41)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP News96AP US News96AP Top News96+36 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Other Sources Covering This Story

1 source

Multiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

After Iran war panic, U.S. scales back Middle East evacuations as demand drops
Global

After Iran war panic, U.S. scales back Middle East evacuations as demand drops

<p>More than 43,000 American citizens have safely returned to the U.S. from the Middle East since the U.S. <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/trump-iran-war-end-withdrawal" target="_blank">struck Iran</a> 11 days ago, the State Department said Wednesday. </p><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>Despite <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/state-department-iran-trump-flights-middle-east-americans" target="_blank">widespread panic</a> among Americans abroad last week after the State Department encouraged citizens to immediately evacuate various countries, the agency now says its scaling back assistance due to declining demand. </p><hr><p><strong>What they're saying: </strong>State Department Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson said in a <a href="https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/03/statement-from-assistant-secretary-dylan-johnson-on-successful-operations-to-assist-american-citizens-in-the-middle-east-4/" target="_blank">statement</a> Wednesday tha...

AxiosMar 11
State Department orders drawdown at more Mideast diplomatic missions as familiar criticism mounts - AP News
Global

State Department orders drawdown at more Mideast diplomatic missions as familiar criticism mounts - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqAFBVV95cUxNMzF6QmNEenNhNjAwcFZlVEdKU3FGRTJqSzMxYmtuUjZzbzdUMjVDOGE3TlVDRDhxS1l0Mm02WXhjMVZSdGpSaVVQd196RUZNM1pKclhhUEcyNHliY2Fma0xjQXdJaVFTUjZPY2RNbWxuWEIzRnFqdFFWdng3T09ZbVZOWXZkMEw1THZVZHVoX0VNdmlqQ0w4ZVRBdmNMSHdtbWRDaDJrb3k?oc=5" target="_blank">State Department orders drawdown at more Mideast diplomatic missions as familiar criticism mounts</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 9
Nancy Mace says she flew to Middle East to get stranded Americans home
National Security

Nancy Mace says she flew to Middle East to get stranded Americans home

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said Thursday that a recent trip to rescue a South Carolina family who was stranded in the Middle East amid the war with Iran turned into a “full scale evacuation” of hundreds of Americans from the region. Mace, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor in her home state, wrote…

The HillMar 12
UK's Starmer speaks with US President Trump on Middle East - Reuters
Global

UK's Starmer speaks with US President Trump on Middle East - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuAFBVV95cUxPTDk2dUliTE9RM2EwUHJCWkEzVHB1QUNaSG82b2VJd3RuNTAxcGlWaFV6TzlsQU1NTjY5SVhWNWpNWEFvRTdfQjRLcDcyQk80XzBXTG9BeENuaUdYeWt0R1JSTGNra1ZicXlvQzlpWVg1RFBfNnZKamUyWFFBS2tkZUJjZVFYTk5Ta3FZU2xmZXdPakxIOUswMDNNbHR5eE1hQUJTUklEQndMQklCQ2pLMnR5YUVjNHY0?oc=5" target="_blank">UK's Starmer speaks with US President Trump on Middle East</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersMar 8
The week in pictures: War in the Middle East, Milan Cortina Paralympic Games and Holi celebrations
Global

The week in pictures: War in the Middle East, Milan Cortina Paralympic Games and Holi celebrations

From Israeli strikes on Lebanon and tributes to Iranian victims of the new war in the Middle East to celebrations of Purim in Israel, Holi in India, and the Paralympic Games' kickoff in Milan-Cortina, FRANCE 24 takes a look at the week's most striking images.

AFP / France 24Mar 8
Pope Leo urges dialogue amid Middle East war
Global

Pope Leo urges dialogue amid Middle East war

Pope Leo urged dialogue and an end to the violence in the Middle East as tensions escalate in the region.

Al JazeeraMar 8
Read Next
Israel’s Deadly Blockade Traps 7 U.S. Doctors in Gaza
Global

Israel’s Deadly Blockade Traps 7 U.S. Doctors in Gaza

Doctors who went to Gaza said Israel’s suspension of travel puts vulnerable patients at risk after years of genocide. The post Israel’s Deadly Blockade Traps 7 U.S. Doctors in Gaza appeared first on The Intercept .

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources