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I feel abandoned: Indian-American CEO slams U.S. response during Iran crisis
The fintech founder claimed that Americans were left without evacuation support while other countries repatriated their citizens.
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Anushka Pathak - Wed, 04, Mar 2026
- 12:18 EST
- 50
Supranamaya (Soups) Ranjan, the Indian-American CEO stranded in Dubai / Courtesy: X/@soupsranjan
Indian-American CEO Supranamaya (Soups) Ranjan said he has been stranded in Dubai for four days amid the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, criticizing the U.S. government for failing to assist citizens trying to return home.
In a post on X, Ranjan said the situation left him feeling abandoned. “After 4 days of adrenalin[e] and constant fear, I feel demoralised and abandoned by our government,” he wrote.
He added that it was difficult watching countries such as “UK, Israel, Spain, Italy, and India” repatriate their citizens or ensure flights continued operating so people could return home.
ALSO READ: Subramanyam demands action for Americans stranded in Middle East
I am a proud US citizen and founder of a successful startup that employs 94 employees in the US and 180+ employees globally. I was in Dubai on a business trip meeting with financial institutions to help them fight financial fraud in the region, but now I am stranded.
— Soups Ranjan (@soupsranjan) March 3, 2026
I expected…
Ranjan, founder of the U.S.-based fintech startup Sardine, said he was in Dubai on a business trip to meet financial institutions and discuss efforts to combat fraud when the crisis escalated.
He said he booked a dozen flights back to the United States, but each one was canceled even as flights to other countries continued operating.
Ranjan said he became a naturalized citizen because he believed in the American dream but argued that the ideal now feels like it is “being shattered not just for me, but for tens of thousands of other Americans left stranded.”
He also cited the U.S. State Department’s helpline, saying it provides only a recorded message telling callers not to rely on the USG for assisted departure or evacuation at this point and that there are currently no evacuation flights available.
Ranjan said that although he is enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), he has received only generic alerts and no direct assistance. He also pointed to funding cuts to U.S. consulates and attacks on embassies in the region, saying Americans stranded across the broader GCC area lack local support.
In the same post, he outlined three requests to the U.S. government: ensuring airlines do not cancel U.S.-bound flights, organizing commercial or military evacuations if necessary, and setting up an emergency hotline staffed by officials able to gather detailed information from affected travelers.
The criticism comes as the crisis enters its fifth day, with the U.S. State Department urging citizens to leave the region but announcing no evacuation plans.
Ranjan questioned reports that 1,500 Americans seeking help had contacted authorities, saying his own calls reached only automated responses.
The escalating conflict has disrupted regional airspace and grounded flights, leaving many travelers stranded as tensions continue to rise.
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