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New Delhi: The United States has said it is currently unable to evacuate its citizens from Israel as the conflict in West Asia escalates following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes.

US Embassy in Jerusalem issues stark advisory

In a security alert, the US Embassy in Jerusalem directed all American government personnel and their families to continue sheltering in place until further notice. The warning comes amid continuing missile and drone exchanges across the region.

Conflict intensifies, tensions escalate across region

Explosions were reported across Tehran through the night and into early Tuesday as US and Israeli forces continued strikes following Saturday’s operation that killed Khamenei.

Iran and allied groups have responded with attacks on Israel, neighbouring Gulf states and infrastructure linked to global oil and gas supplies. The sustained exchanges and the absence of a clearly defined endgame have raised fears of a prolonged confrontation.

Washington and Tel Aviv have offered differing signals on the ultimate objectives of the military campaign, adding to the prevailing uncertainty.

US Embassy ‘not in a position’ to evacuate Americans from Israel

In its advisory, the embassy made clear the limits of its current capacity. “The US Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel,” the mission said in its online alert.

The embassy noted that Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has begun operating shuttle services to the Taba border crossing with Egypt. Americans wishing to use the service have been asked to register through the ministry’s evacuation form.

However, the mission issued a strong caution. “The US Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) the Ministry of Tourism’s shuttle. If you choose to avail yourself of this option to depart, the US government cannot guarantee your safety,” it said, adding that the information was being provided as a courtesy to those seeking to leave.

US citizens stranded with limited exit options

The land crossing at Taba is currently operating round the clock, offering one of the few available exit routes. The embassy also said travellers seeking to enter Jordan may take a shuttle to Eilat and then proceed independently by taxi to the Yitzhak Rabin border crossing.

Officials stressed that Americans should make their own security assessments before attempting departure.

Uncertainty looms large for civilians

The advisory underscores the rapidly deteriorating security environment in the region. With missile exchanges continuing and military objectives still unclear, the risk to civilians and foreign nationals remains elevated.

For now, Washington’s message to its citizens in Israel is blunt: shelter in place if possible, and if leaving, do so at your own risk.

(With inputs from agencies)