State department move comes amid increasing concerns about nuclear talks between US and Iran that appear to be deadlocked
The United States has ordered the departure of “non-essential” diplomatic staff and their families from embassies in the Middle East amid growing diplomatic tensions in the region.
The US diplomatic draw-down came as Iran threatened to target US military bases in the region if conflict breaks out, while Donald Trump said he was “less confident” about reaching a nuclear deal.
The state department said on Wednesday it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel from the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, based on its commitment “to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad”. The embassy already had been on limited staffing, and the order will not affect a large number of personnel.
The US is also authorizing the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait.
