US to withdraw embassy staff from Iraq amid Iran tensions

KABUL (Pajhwok): US embassy in Iraq to evacuate non-essential personnel amid heightened security concerns, government sources reveal.

While officials have not specified the exact reason for the decision, it follows reports on Wednesday that Israel is preparing to launch a military operation against Iran.

The BBC cited officials familiar with the matter as saying this was one of the factors behind the US advisory for certain American nationals to leave the region, amid fears that Iran might retaliate against US interests, particularly in Iraq.

The development comes as negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme appear to have stalled in recent days.

Despite the heightened tensions, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is still expected to meet with Iranian officials for the sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday, CBS reported.

A spokesperson for the US State Department told the BBC: “We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we have decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq.”

Former President Donald Trump addressed the situation during an appearance at the Kennedy Centre on Wednesday.

He said Americans had been advised to leave the region as “it could be a dangerous place,” adding, “we’ll see what happens.”

Trump also reiterated his position that the United States would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon: “We’re not going to allow that.”

He has long expressed hope for a deal that would prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, though he admitted on Wednesday that he was becoming less confident Iran would cease uranium enrichment.

With nuclear negotiations hanging in the balance, it remains unclear whether the US measures are driven primarily by security concerns or intended as a strategic signal.

However, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that his country would retaliate against American bases in the region should talks collapse and the US resort to military action.

Additionally, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of family members of American military personnel from several Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain, according to Reuters.

sa