Americans Stranded in Middle East Told to Shelter-in-Place

Travel agency says tourists are waiting for flights out as U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran escalates

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Thousands of Americans are currently stranded in the Middle East, trying to find a way out amid the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. A Utah-based travel agency says these travelers are being advised to shelter in place until flights become available to evacuate them from the region.

Why it matters

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted travel plans for many Americans, leaving them stuck in the region and unable to return home. This highlights the risks and challenges faced by tourists caught in the middle of geopolitical tensions, as well as the importance of having a travel agent and proper insurance when traveling internationally.

The details

According to Brent Jenson, president of Morris Columbus Travel in Utah, the agency has facilitated trips to the Middle East for around 800 people per year. However, with the current conflict, the agency is now canceling upcoming trips and trying to help Americans stuck in places like Amman, Jordan, get out. Jenson said these travelers are being told to shelter in place until flights can be arranged, as the air situation has made it difficult for them to depart the region.

  • On March 3, 2026, U.S. and Israeli military strikes occurred in Tehran, Iran.
  • On March 3, 2026, smoke was seen rising from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon.

The players

Brent Jenson

The president of Morris Columbus Travel, a Utah-based travel agency that has facilitated trips to the Middle East for around 800 people per year.

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What they’re saying

“We have a group … that was stuck in Amman, Jordan, for a couple of days. Everybody's fine, everyone's great. They should be getting out tomorrow (Wednesday), but because of the air situation, they had to stay a couple of additional days, because … of course, they couldn't get out of the country.”

— Brent Jenson, President, Morris Columbus Travel (KSL NewsRadio)

What’s next

The travel agency is taking a 'wait-and-see approach' for upcoming trips to Israel, as the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of having a travel agent and proper insurance when traveling internationally, especially to regions experiencing geopolitical tensions. It also raises concerns about the impact of the conflict on the tourism industry in the Middle East, which is a crucial economic driver for many countries in the region.