The United States has ordered the evacuation of non-essential staff and dependents from its embassy in Baghdad, citing heightened security risks as tensions with Iran escalate.
U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the move but did not specify the exact threat prompting the withdrawal. However, sources told CBS News that intelligence indicated Israel was preparing a potential military operation against Iran, raising concerns of retaliatory strikes on American personnel in Iraq.
The State Department announced the decision in a statement, saying, “We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq.”
The evacuation comes as diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal appear stalled. U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Steve Witkoff is still expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat this weekend, but hopes for a breakthrough remain slim.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has restricted the movement of U.S. government employees in Israel, barring travel outside Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva due to “increased regional tensions.”
Speaking at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, President Donald Trump warned that the Middle East “could be a dangerous place” and reiterated his stance against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. “We’re not going to allow that,” he said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently criticized Iran for “less than satisfactory” cooperation in addressing traces of nuclear material found at undeclared sites. Iran dismissed the report as biased, claiming it relied on “forged documents” provided by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a longtime advocate for a hardline approach toward Iran, reportedly had a “tense” 40-minute call with Trump earlier this week.
Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Tehran would strike U.S. bases in the region if talks collapse and the U.S. launches military action.
In a precautionary move, the Pentagon has approved the voluntary departure of military families from several Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain.
Oil prices surged more than 4% following the evacuation announcement, reflecting fears of regional instability disrupting energy supplies. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations also warned of potential risks to shipping lanes.
With approximately 2,500 U.S. troops still stationed in Iraq, memories of Iran’s 2020 missile strikes, retaliation for the killing of Qasem Soleimani linger. While no U.S. personnel died in that attack, dozens suffered traumatic brain injuries.
As diplomatic efforts hang in the balance, the world watches to see whether the U.S. evacuation is a precaution or a prelude to a broader confrontation.
