The United States is set to partially evacuate its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, as tensions with Iran escalate and nuclear negotiations stall. The evacuation will affect non-essential staff and their families, amid growing fears of potential Iranian retaliation should military action be taken by Israel or the US.
According to US government officials, the move follows intelligence suggesting that Israel is preparing for a possible strike against Iran. This, in turn, has raised concerns that Tehran may retaliate against American interests in the region, particularly in Iraq where about 2,500 US troops are currently stationed.
Talks between the US and Iran regarding the latter’s nuclear programme have made little progress in recent days. Nevertheless, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat on Sunday, keeping diplomatic lines open. The meeting comes amid heightened concerns following a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report criticizing Iran’s lack of transparency regarding nuclear material found at undeclared sites. Iran dismissed the findings, claiming the evidence was based on “forged documents” supplied by Israel.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the Kennedy Center, confirmed that Americans were being advised to leave the region due to potential danger. He emphasized that the US would not permit Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, adding, “We’re not going to allow that.”
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of military families from countries including Kuwait and Bahrain. Testifying before Congress, Pentagon officials indicated there were “plenty of indications” Iran might be advancing toward a nuclear weapons capability, although Tehran insists its uranium enrichment is solely for civilian energy use.
The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations has warned of potential disruptions to shipping in the region, and oil prices spiked by more than 4% following news of the embassy evacuation.
This decision comes at a delicate moment in US-Iran relations and highlights the complex security dynamics in the Middle East. As diplomatic efforts continue, the region braces for what could be a critical turning point in US-Iran-Israel interactions.
