The United States has asked Cyprus to act as a humanitarian corridor for American citizens expected to evacuate the Middle East as fighting escalates in the US-Israel war against Iran, according to Hellasjournal.com.
US Marines are set to be deployed to Cyprus to help secure the corridor, with their role strictly limited to humanitarian assistance.
Evacuation advisory issued
The US State Department has urged American citizens in nearly all Middle Eastern countries – including Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria – to “leave now” via commercial means due to “serious risks” to their safety.
Assistant Secretary of State Mora Namdar posted the advisory on X, which covers 14 countries in total.
The @SecRubio @StateDept urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from… pic.twitter.com/vdplAik2Sq
— Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar (@AsstSecStateCA) March 2, 2026
Cyprus’ prior role in evacuations
This is not the first instance of Cyprus serving as a humanitarian corridor. The island facilitated the transfer of Western nationals, especially Americans, out of Israel following the Hamas attack in October 2023.
Cyprus has also supported evacuations of Palestinians and Lebanese civilians displaced by Israeli military operations in the region, highlighting the island’s strategic role in regional humanitarian operations.
Strategic and humanitarian importance
The Cyprus humanitarian corridor underscores the island’s critical role as a safe transit point in times of regional crises. Authorities continue coordinating closely with international partners to ensure secure passage for evacuees.
Also read: Cyprus air defence readiness at full alert, no new incidents
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
