The US State Department announced that nearly 24,000 American citizens have returned home from the Middle East since February 28, when the war with Iran began.

"Hundreds of Americans have been brought to the United States on several charter flights, with several additional flights planned for the coming days as conditions allow. The availability of commercial flights in the region continues to improve, and commercial flight options are available in most of the region," said Deputy Secretary of State Dylan Johnson.

He clarified that the 24,000 figure refers only to Americans who flew directly to the United States, not those who relocated to other countries.

US President Donald Trump wrote on his social media on Friday that the US is "quietly but steadily" evacuating thousands of its citizens from the Middle East.