FORT MYERS – A couple from Fort Myers is desperately trying to leave Dubai as the conflict in Iran continues to escalate.
Alexander Irigoyen and Magda Sotiriadis are among the many Americans stranded in the Middle East, struggling to find a way home.
Irigoyen has reached out to airlines, the Department of Homeland Security and Gov. Ron DeSantis, but has yet to secure a way out.
He said, “When I was exchanging message with you, I was at the rooftop here of the hotel, and the missile went through.”
A missile recently struck the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, just three miles from where the couple is staying. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Irigoyen shared, “There was the first one that we saw, and we were shocked about it.”
Their flight out of Dubai was canceled as the conflict began, leaving them in a difficult situation.
Despite the challenges, Irigoyen praised the hospitality they’ve received, saying, “These people are absolutely excellent, but they’re very careful. You know, one thing we noticed, nobody, nobody opines. Nobody talks about the conflict here.”
He added, “They treat us like king and queen with no complaints. The problem is that we cannot get back.”
The couple is registered with the U.S. State Department’s STEP program, but Irigoyen is still seeking assurance that their plea for help is being heard.
He expressed, “I went twice to the Emirates Airlines offices here, the sign says that they are open, it’s all lit inside, but there’s no human beings and it’s closed and nobody picks up the phone.”
Irigoyen emphasized the need for action, stating, “We had to defend our own people. In this moment, in my opinion, we should be having charter flights to fly out every American that we have in these cities.”