By Jennifer Hansler, Kylie Atwood, CNN
(CNN) — Americans stranded in the Middle East as the war in the region escalates are speaking out about their frustration and fears as the Trump administration seeks to reassure them that they are working to get them home.
“I feel just like a sitting duck,” one stranded American told CNN Tuesday morning.
The administration on Tuesday said it is looking at options including using military aircraft and charter flights to relocate US citizens in the Middle East who want to depart.
The efforts come days after the US and Israel launched its operation against Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iran on countries throughout the Middle East.
The administration has come under immense scrutiny, particularly from those who are stuck, for what they said has been a lack of guidance and assistance. And earlier on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump suggested they hadn’t had an evacuation plan in place because things unfolded too quickly.
“There is widespread frustration,” said an American currently in the United Arab Emirates who is trying to leave. “Do we head to the airport? Do we stay sheltered in place? The directive of the US government is completely unclear, they are saying to shelter in place but also to seek out commercial flights and there was no advance warning that a war was about to break out.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday afternoon that they “are confident we’re going to be able to assist every American.” More than 1,500 US citizens had reached out to request assistance, he said.
“We have identified and continue to identify charter flights, military flight options, and expanded commercial flight options, meaning working with the airlines to send bigger airplanes with more seats,” the top US diplomat said, but noted they were contending with airspace closures.
The State Department announced in a media note on Tuesday it “is facilitating charter flights from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan for American citizens, and will continue to secure additional capacity as security conditions allow.”
The note said the Department was “actively helping American citizens book” commercial tickets from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Egypt.
“For those in countries lacking commercial aviation availability, the department is facilitating travel to third countries as conditions allow. That includes increasing ground transportation options for American citizens wishing to leave Israel,” the State Department said.
US citizens who take the US-facilitated travel will not be required to pay the US government back for the cost, the department added.
A senior State Department official said they are “proactively contacting US citizens to offer them seats on these flights.” They also said that US embassies are helping US citizens travel from countries with closed airspace to locations with available charter flights, including using charter buses.
State Department officials have urged Americans to contact the Department if they are stuck overseas and need assistance at +1-202-501-4444. More than 120 people are fielding the calls at that 27/4 call center, a State Department official said.
‘It would be hilarious if it wasn’t so frustrating’
However, US citizens who have reached out to the State Department said they were frustrated by the very limited guidance they have received.
And the number, when one calls it, still advised in a recorded message on Tuesday afternoon, “please do not rely on the US government for assisted departure or evacuation at this time.” It urged Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates and sa