The United States has ordered the partial evacuation of its embassy in Baghdad, citing rising regional tensions and potential security threats linked to Iran.

Non-essential staff and their dependents are being withdrawn as American intelligence points to possible retaliatory actions by Iran in the event of an Israeli military operation.

US government sources, quoted by CBS, say Israel may be preparing an attack on Iranian targets, prompting concerns of spillover violence affecting US assets in Iraq.

US orders nonessential staff to leave Baghdad Embassy as Iran tensions rise

A State Department spokesperson told the BBC: “Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq.” The US has also restricted its personnel from travelling within Israel beyond Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva.

Speaking in Washington, President Donald Trump confirmed US personnel were being moved out of the Middle East “because it could be a dangerous place”. He reiterated that the US remains firmly opposed to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Tensions have spiked following a critical report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which accused Tehran of insufficient cooperation regarding past nuclear activities. Iran rejected the claims, accusing the agency of relying on “forged documents” from Israel.

Despite the standoff, US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat on Sunday for nuclear talks. However, Iran’s Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned of retaliation against US bases if negotiations fail and military action follows.

The Pentagon has also authorised the voluntary departure of US military families from Kuwait, Bahrain, and other Middle Eastern locations.

The announcement triggered a 4% surge in oil prices amid fears of disruptions to supply. Approximately 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq, with memories still fresh of Iran’s 2020 missile strikes following the killing of General Qasem Soleimani.

Source: BBC