US Orders More Diplomatic Staff to Leave Iraq and Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions
The United States has ordered additional diplomatic personnel to depart from its missions in Iraq and Lebanon due to ongoing regional tensions and recent military strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran.
The United States has initiated a further withdrawal of diplomatic staff from its missions in Iraq and Lebanon, reflecting heightened security concerns and regional tensions.
In Iraq, the departures began on Saturday and Sunday as part of an operational streamlining process, according to a US official.
The move is said to be 'out of an abundance of caution' due to the volatile situation in the region.
Similarly, in Lebanon, the US embassy has ordered family members and non-emergency personnel to leave the country because of the unstable security environment.
The recent military strikes by the US against nuclear facilities in Iran have escalated regional tensions.
In response, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader warned that any bases used for American attacks will be considered legitimate targets.
This warning comes amid fears of intervention from Iran-backed militias across the Middle East, which have threatened Washington's interests if it continues to support Israel's military campaign against Iran.
Israel has previously clashed with Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in significant damage to the group before a ceasefire was established in November.
On Sunday, Hezbollah characterized the US strikes as revealing its 'true face' as the largest threat to regional security and stability.
While Hezbollah has not explicitly stated an intention to intervene militarily on Iran's behalf, its leader indicated that it would act according to its own judgment.
The United States maintains a 'do not travel' advisory for Lebanon due to ongoing instability.
Meanwhile, Iraq has long walked a tight rope between its allies Tehran and Washington, serving as a battleground for proxy conflicts.
The Iraqi government expressed deep concern and condemnation over the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities, emphasizing that this military escalation poses serious risks to regional stability.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic personnel departures continue, reflecting an escalating crisis with potential far-reaching consequences.
In Iraq, the departures began on Saturday and Sunday as part of an operational streamlining process, according to a US official.
The move is said to be 'out of an abundance of caution' due to the volatile situation in the region.
Similarly, in Lebanon, the US embassy has ordered family members and non-emergency personnel to leave the country because of the unstable security environment.
The recent military strikes by the US against nuclear facilities in Iran have escalated regional tensions.
In response, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader warned that any bases used for American attacks will be considered legitimate targets.
This warning comes amid fears of intervention from Iran-backed militias across the Middle East, which have threatened Washington's interests if it continues to support Israel's military campaign against Iran.
Israel has previously clashed with Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in significant damage to the group before a ceasefire was established in November.
On Sunday, Hezbollah characterized the US strikes as revealing its 'true face' as the largest threat to regional security and stability.
While Hezbollah has not explicitly stated an intention to intervene militarily on Iran's behalf, its leader indicated that it would act according to its own judgment.
The United States maintains a 'do not travel' advisory for Lebanon due to ongoing instability.
Meanwhile, Iraq has long walked a tight rope between its allies Tehran and Washington, serving as a battleground for proxy conflicts.
The Iraqi government expressed deep concern and condemnation over the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities, emphasizing that this military escalation poses serious risks to regional stability.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic personnel departures continue, reflecting an escalating crisis with potential far-reaching consequences.
