‘We were on our own’: Americans in Gulf say Trump had no exit plan

American citizens across the Middle East say they were left scrambling for safety after the opening strikes of the US-Israel war on Iran, accusing the administration of Donald Trump of launching military action without a plan to evacuate its own nationals.

Interviews with Americans in Gulf states describe days of confusion, unanswered embassy calls and frantic searches for flights as missiles and drones crossed the region. Some say they felt “betrayed” by a government they believed had promised to keep the United States out of new wars.

The criticism comes as Washington insists it has helped tens of thousands of citizens with travel guidance and evacuation options since the conflict began.

Phones unanswered as missiles fall

Dylan, a 31-year-old teacher in Bahrain, said he first realised the scale of the crisis when explosions rattled his home near the US naval base in Juffair.

He attempted to call the US embassy and the U.S. Department of State but says he could not reach anyone. “We were left on our own to figure things out,” he said.

After sheltering for several days, Dylan fled across the causeway to Saudi Arabia before eventually reaching Lisbon via a commercial flight. He said assistance from the UK Foreign Office — relayed through a British friend — was more responsive than help from US officials.

Families scramble for flights

Ashley, a US citizen visiting Abu Dhabi with her partner and young child, said official instructions to “leave immediately” came as regional airspace was already closing.

“There was no one who could actually tell us how to get out,” she said. The family eventually secured seats on a commercial flight to Europe while missile interceptions continued near airports.

Another American resident in the United Arab Emirates said night-time missile alerts had begun affecting her children. “My three-year-old clings to me when she hears them,” she said.

Washington defends response

US officials say nearly 50 evacuation flights have been organised since the conflict began and that around 32,000 Americans received travel assistance.

Yet for many citizens caught in the war’s early days, the damage to trust is already done. “If you start a war,” one resident said, “you should have a plan to protect your own people.”

US citizens: Trump had no 'backup' plan to help them leave Middle East after Iran strike