The US government is evacuating non-essential staff and dependents from its Baghdad embassy due to increasing security threats. This decision follows stalled negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, alongside warnings of potential retaliatory actions from Iran.
US Embassy in Iraq to Evacuate Non-Essential Staff Amid Rising Security Concerns
US Embassy in Iraq to Evacuate Non-Essential Staff Amid Rising Security Concerns
Heightened tensions related to Iran's nuclear programme prompt a partial evacuation of US embassy personnel in Baghdad, reflecting escalating regional risks.
Non-essential staff and their families at the US embassy in Baghdad are undergoing a partial evacuation as security risks in Iraq escalate, according to US government officials. The move, which comes amid stalled talks regarding Iran's nuclear programme, highlights growing concerns in the region.
A state department spokesperson emphasized that the personnel adjustments are based on ongoing assessments of conditions at embassies worldwide. "We constantly evaluate our personnel posture, and based on our most recent analysis, we've chosen to decrease our presence in Iraq," the official noted.
This development coincides with US President Donald Trump's statements on a podcast where he expressed dwindling confidence in achieving a successful deal concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions. The US aims to halt Iran's uranium enrichment activities, seen as a pathway to nuclear weapons, in exchange for reduced economic sanctions.
Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh responded by saying that any failure of negotiations could result in retaliatory attacks on US bases within the region should military action be initiated by the US.
Additionally, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has given the green light for the voluntary departure of some military families stationed throughout the Middle East, including in Kuwait and Bahrain, echoing his belief that Iran is making advances toward potential nuclear weapon capabilities.
In a related alert, the UK's Maritime Trade Operations organization warned that the increasing military tensions could disrupt shipping routes, contributing to immediate market reactions. Following news of the embassy evacuation, oil prices surged by more than 4%, indicating fears of regional instability affecting supply chains.
Currently, about 2,500 US troops are stationed in Iraq as part of ongoing efforts to maintain security in the region.
