State Department Says 43,000 Americans Evacuated From Middle East as Iran War Evacuation Flights Wind Down
The State Department says roughly 43,000 Americans have been evacuated from the Middle East as Iran-related evacuation flights wind down amid falling demand. Private efforts have supplemented government operations — including Rep. Nancy Mace partnering with veteran-led Grey Bull Rescue to charter a flight that carried 155 Americans (including 11 infants) to Greece — even as some evacuees have criticized the State Department’s communication and guidance.
📌 Key Facts
- Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who is running for governor, flew to the Middle East on March 8, 2026 after learning a South Carolina family was trapped and helped arrange their evacuation.
- After that family returned home, Mace remained in the region and partnered with Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led crisis-response nonprofit, to evacuate additional Americans.
- Mace says she worked with the State Department to charter a flight out of Israel while Grey Bull Rescue handled logistics; the flight carried 155 Americans, including 11 infants, to Greece (Grey Bull calls it its 808th mission).
- Grey Bull Rescue’s broader operations include earlier evacuations of more than 300 Americans from Israel after the Oct. 7 attacks, assistance to Americans fleeing cartel violence in Mexico, and facilitating the 2025 extraction of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado.
- Some Americans stranded in the region have criticized the State Department for unclear communication and insufficient evacuation guidance, a context in which Mace is positioning her intervention.
📊 Relevant Data
Approximately 200,000 American citizens reside in Israel, encompassing a diverse group including long-term residents, students, workers, and dual citizens.
How Many American Citizens Live in Israel — Oreate AI Blog
In a March 2026 NPR poll, 56% of Americans oppose U.S. military action in Iran, with breakdowns by political party showing 86% opposition among Democrats and 15% among Republicans.
Poll: A majority of Americans opposes U.S. military action in Iran — NPR
According to a March 2026 NPR poll, approval for U.S. military action in Iran varies by generation: 24% among Gen Z, 36% among Millennials, 40% among Gen X, and 39% among Baby Boomers.
Poll: A majority of Americans opposes U.S. military action in Iran — NPR
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who is running for governor, flew to the Middle East on March 8, 2026 after learning a South Carolina family was trapped and helped arrange their evacuation.
- After that family returned home, Mace remained in the region and partnered with Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led crisis-response nonprofit, to evacuate additional Americans.
- Mace says she worked with the State Department to charter a flight out of Israel, while Grey Bull Rescue handled logistics; 155 Americans, including 11 infants, were flown to Greece in what Grey Bull calls its 808th mission.
- The article details Grey Bull Rescue’s broader operations, including earlier evacuations of more than 300 Americans from Israel after the Oct. 7 attacks, assistance to Americans fleeing cartel violence in Mexico, and facilitating the 2025 extraction of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado.
- Some Americans stranded in the region have criticized the State Department for unclear communication and insufficient evacuation guidance, context in which Mace is positioning her intervention.