From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 2, 2026
Rubio tells Americans abroad ‘to follow our security updates,’ does not mention latest State Dept directive that they immediately leave Middle East, including Israel
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
After the US State Department just called on all Americans to immediately depart more than a dozen countries in the Middle East, including Israel, amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges Americans to register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive further updates.
They can do so, he notes, at step.state.gov.
“We also encourage Americans abroad to follow our security updates for US citizens channel on WhatsApp and follow @travelgov on social media as well,” Rubio posts.
Americans in the Middle East can also reach the State Department 24/7 at 1-202-501-4444, Rubio adds.
At the US Department of State, he says, “Our number one priority is the safety and the security of American citizens everywhere in the world.”
He makes no specific mention of the directive from moments ago calling on all Americans to flee most of the Middle East.
To all American citizens in the Middle East: your safety and security is our number one priority.
Sign up to receive STEP alerts at https://t.co/SpQfuj4gN2.
Get information at @TravelGov and you can call the department 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444. pic.twitter.com/G8grZVgmCF
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) March 2, 2026
The Times of Israel Community.