The State Department is disputing claims from private rescue groups that Americans were left stranded during the early days of the United States and Iran conflict. Bryan Stern, head of Grey Bull Rescue, argues that thousands of citizens struggled to escape conflict zones despite government assurances that assistance was offered to all who requested it. He cited a video of a mostly empty evacuation flight from Israel to Florida as evidence that available resources were not fully used.

State Department officials maintain that they contacted every registered American seeking help and say many declined government-arranged seats in favor of commercial travel or chose to remain in place. Officials noted that government evacuations sometimes involve purchasing individual seats rather than chartering entire aircraft, and reported that more than 43,000 Americans have returned home since late February, with 30,000 directly assisted by government operations.

Lawmakers and private responders are calling for reforms to improve coordination and efficiency. Representative Nancy Mace, who observed evacuation efforts firsthand, said bureaucratic hurdles and the absence of a dedicated evacuation role within the State Department complicate operations. Stern contends that streamlined communication and specialized leadership are needed to ensure faster, more effective rescues in future crises.