BAGHDAD (BN24) — The United States is evacuating non-essential personnel and their families from its embassy in Baghdad, citing escalating security threats across the region amid faltering negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. officials said Wednesday.
A U.S. State Department official told the BBC that the decision reflects a routine reassessment of staffing levels, adding, “Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq.”
The evacuation comes as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran appear to have stalled, raising concerns over the potential for conflict. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he is increasingly doubtful Iran will halt uranium enrichment efforts, a central issue in the negotiations.
Tensions surged earlier this week after Trump reportedly held a tense 40-minute phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has urged a more aggressive stance against Iran.
Pressed about the decision to evacuate staff from multiple U.S. posts across the Middle East, Trump acknowledged the deteriorating security situation. “They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens,” he said. “We’ve given notice to move out, and we’ll see what happens.”
Iran’s Defense Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, warned that his country would retaliate against American bases in the region if talks failed and military action was taken. The statement added to fears that diplomatic breakdowns could spark a wider conflict.
Reuters reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also approved the voluntary departure of family members of American military personnel stationed in countries such as Kuwait and Bahrain. The Pentagon confirmed the move during a congressional hearing, with officials noting there are “plenty of indications” Iran may be preparing to develop a nuclear weapon.
Tehran continues to insist its nuclear activities are intended solely for civilian energy production, denying any plans to develop atomic weapons.
The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations, a branch of the Royal Navy, issued a maritime security alert on Wednesday warning that elevated military tensions could disrupt commercial shipping in the region.
Following news of the evacuation, global oil prices spiked over 4% due to growing concerns about instability in the Middle East and its potential impact on energy supplies.
Approximately 2,500 U.S. troops remain deployed in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.
