Americans Fleeing Iran War Return to Chicago

Evacuees from Dubai describe harrowing journey home as conflict escalates in the Middle East.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Many Americans who fled the conflict in the Middle East since the start of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran landed at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Thursday, relieved to finally be back home. Evacuees described the sound and feeling of airstrikes in Dubai, as well as the long and circuitous route their flight took to avoid the ongoing war.

Why it matters

The evacuation of U.S. citizens from the Middle East highlights the escalating tensions and dangers posed by the widening conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. As the war continues, there are concerns about the safety of Americans still in the region and the ability of the government to facilitate their return home.

The details

Several Americans who were in Dubai when the war broke out described the experience, including feeling the shaking from missile and drone strikes on the airport and surrounding buildings. Their flight from Dubai to Chicago took a longer, circuitous route to avoid the combat zone, extending the journey by about two hours. Despite the harrowing experience, evacuees expressed relief at being back on U.S. soil and reunited with loved ones.

  • The U.S.-Israel war with Iran started in recent weeks.
  • The evacuees landed at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Ayesha Patel

A teacher from Lincolnwood, Illinois who was working in Kuwait and had been in Dubai for over a week trying to book flights to get out before the war started.

Patrice Mikhaell

A 20-year-old woman who was evacuated from Dubai with her father, Nazar Mikhaell.

Nazar Mikhaell

The father of Patrice Mikhaell, who was anxious to be reunited with his daughter after the evacuation from Dubai.

Sawsan Yassin

One of the Americans who was on the flight from Dubai to Chicago that took a longer route to avoid the combat zone.

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What they’re saying

“I've been in Dubai for over a week, and I booked like three flights trying to get out of Duabi. This one stuck.”

— Ayesha Patel, Teacher (CBS News Chicago)

“We just felt it shake the whole floor, and again the next morning three big booms as soon as you wake up shakes the whole apartment building.”

— Patrice Mikhaell (CBS News Chicago)

“It took a very weird route, because they didn't want to be in the area where the war is.”

— Sawsan Yassin (CBS News Chicago)

“This is my baby girl, my bestie. Thank God I have her back. I will never leave her alone.”

— Nazar Mikhaell, Father (CBS News Chicago)

What’s next

The U.S. State Department is continuing to coordinate evacuation efforts for American citizens still in the Middle East as the conflict with Iran escalates. Officials say they are working to ensure the safe return of all U.S. nationals in the region.

The takeaway

The harrowing experiences of these evacuees highlight the urgent need for the U.S. government to prioritize the safety and repatriation of American citizens caught in the crosshairs of the widening war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. As the conflict shows no signs of abating, there are growing concerns about the welfare of those still trapped in the combat zone.