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Yesterday the State Department urged all Americans in a list of countries comprising most of the Middle East to evacuate, amid the war with Iran.

I strongly oppose that war.

It is deeply frustrating that despite the President's choice of timing to attack Iran, with a weeks-long buildup of military assets in the region, there appears to have been little or no advance planning on keeping Americans abroad safe, or getting them out of harm's way.

I have already been contacted by constituents who are either in one of these countries, or have family there, all of whom are deeply concerned and seeking safety for their families.

The limited guidance we have received from the State Department is that American citizens should monitor official travel advisories and security updates.

To receive the latest security alerts, American citizens abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step and join the State Department WhatsApp channel for updates at https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Var8szHInlqREVL5jC0g.

Americans in the Middle East who need to reach Consular Affairs can call 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).

Constituents needing help communicating with State should call my office at 703-658-5403 for support. You can also fill out our digital privacy release form here, and someone on my staff will be in touch: https://beyer.house.gov/constituent-services/casework/casework.htm

We have heard feedback on these measures from folks overseas, and some of it is disheartening.

To those who are stuck, scared, and unsure of what comes next: I hear you.

I am pressing the Administration to improve its support and assistance to Americans in the Middle East, and will continue to do so for as long as it takes.