Chicago, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Governor JB Pritzker wants U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others to outline a federal plan for evacuating Americans who may be stranded in the Middle East following U.S. military actions in the region, including the ongoing attacks in Iran.

According to a news release, Pritzker sent a letter Wednesday to Rubio and Mora Namdar, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, asking them to come up with an evacuation plan and articulate it, after President Trump reportedly admitted Tuesday that there isn’t such a plan already.

“Americans are stranded abroad, and we all have a responsibility to do everything in our power to safely get them home,” said Pritzker, in a news release.  “There are parents trying to get to their children, workers who need to return to their jobs, and families facing serious financial and logistical challenges.  The federal government must immediately provide clear guidance and a plan to help Americans safely leave the region.  Our country shares an urgent obligation to help get stranded Americans home.”

Pritzker’s news release says he wants the State Department to:

• Announce a public commitment and plan to use charter flights, military aircraft, or both to assist Americans attempting to leave the region.
• Explore emergency contracts with charter companies or commercial airlines to expand transportation options for Americans seeking to depart.
• Issue clear guidance to Americans abroad on how to register, schedule, and safely access flights or other transportation out of the region.
• Identify safe locations for temporary diplomatic posts in areas where U.S. embassies have been attacked or destroyed.
• Authorize the emergency deployment of additional Foreign Service officers to support embassy staff and assist Americans seeking help.

Meanwhile, Pritzker says Americans in the Middle East who are stranded to follow these recommendations:

• The U.S. Department of State announced an official WhatsApp channel to provide alerts and guidance. Individuals can follow the channel here: U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens
• Americans traveling or residing abroad are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier for U.S. officials to contact them in an emergency:
• Americans who need consular assistance can call 24/7:
  • +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad)
  • +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).
• Americans abroad should also stay up to date with the State Department’s latest ​ Travel Advisories and security alerts. ​ ​

Pritzker says he will communicate with members of the Illinois congressional delegation to make sure Illinoisans stranded to get “timely information.”

At least six U.S. military members have lost their lives since military operations began in Iran over the weekend, and at least four of those are with a unit based in Iowa.