Hundreds of U.S. citizens evacuated Iran over the past week ahead of America striking three of Iran’s key nuclear sites on Saturday, according to an internal State Department cable, Reuters reported.

While many Americans were able to leave without issues, “numerous” citizens faced “delays and harassment” while trying to leave, the outlet added, citing the cable reportedly dated on Friday. Two citizens attempting to leave Iran were reportedly detained.

The reported evacuation difficulties faced by Americans underscore the broader challenges Washington has encountered in assisting its nationals inside Iran, a country that has not had any diplomatic ties with the U.S. since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. 

The State Department told Fox News Digital that U.S. citizens may face more difficulty exiting than those who hold U.S.-Iranian dual citizenship.

Smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on June 13, 2025. Conflict continues to rise between Israel and Iran.  (Getty)

The State Department does not have official figures, but thousands of U.S. citizens are thought to be residing in Iran, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Thursday that the administration was looking at different ways to get U.S. citizens out of that country.

“We’re working to get military, commercial, charter flights and cruise ships for evac,” Huckabee said in an X post.

Fox News’ Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.