Orange County Couple Helps Evacuate Americans Amid Iran War Intensification

Security experts offer tips for safely leaving the Middle East as conflict escalates.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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As the war with Iran intensifies, an Orange County couple who specialize in conflict evacuation are working to help thousands of Americans still trying to leave the Middle East. With most commercial flights canceled and State Department hotlines overwhelmed, the couple is providing guidance on the safest ways to exit the region, warning against risky private transport options that could lead to human trafficking.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict with Iran has created a chaotic and dangerous situation for the estimated 1 million Americans still in the 14 countries with warnings to leave. With limited options and an expanding war zone, security experts are stepping in to assist with evacuation efforts and ensure people can return home safely.

The details

Alana and Dean Stott, a couple from Orange County, California, are experts in conflict evacuation. Dean, a former member of the British special forces, was on the ground in Gaza after the Hamas attacks on Israel in 2023, and the couple helped hundreds of people escape danger. However, the current situation with Iran is more complicated, as the conflict has spread across the Gulf States. The Stotts are focused on helping people secure confirmed flight tickets, as they warn against the risks of relying on private transport options, which could lead to human trafficking incidents.

  • The Trump administration has received scrutiny from Americans trying to leave the region after most commercial flights were cancelled and the State Department experienced troubles with its hotline.
  • The White House said more than 17,000 Americans have made it home safely, but estimates put the number of Americans in the 14 countries with warnings to leave at roughly 1 million.

The players

Alana Stott

A security expert from Orange County, California, who specializes in conflict evacuation and is helping Americans leave the Middle East as the war with Iran intensifies.

Dean Stott

Alana's husband, a former member of the British special forces, who has experience with evacuation efforts and is assisting in the current situation.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary, who said the State Department's hotline has been updated to better assist Americans trying to leave the region.

Lisa Eggleston

An American trying to leave the Middle East, who reported still experiencing problems with the State Department's hotline.

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What they’re saying

“Now, because it's pretty much all the Gulf States we're dealing with, it's a lot more difficult to coordinate because you've got people being told to move to one place, but you don't know where the next strike's coming.”

— Alana Stott, Security Expert (cbsnews.com)

“I'm hearing about crossing from Dubai to Oman. I know a lot of people are making the flights, but if you don't have a flight booked, the chance of you being able to book that while you're in an airport with broken Wi-Fi and panic and everything going on around you ... Yes, there is that fear and that desperation to go home, but don't put yourself into a worse situation without really knowing that you're going to get out.”

— Alana Stott, Security Expert (cbsnews.com)

“I had a call from Jerusalem today, two girls were taken from Jerusalem. They were from Atlanta, and it was a driver who said, 'I'll take you across to Egypt.'”

— Alana Stott, Security Expert (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The White House said more efforts are underway to assist Americans still in the region, including expanding the State Department's hotline and coordinating with allies to facilitate additional evacuation flights.

The takeaway

As the conflict with Iran escalates, security experts are urging Americans in the Middle East to exercise extreme caution and avoid risky private transport options, as the situation remains highly volatile and the risk of human trafficking is elevated. Securing confirmed flight tickets and following official guidance is crucial for safely returning home.