WASHINGTON: The State Department is preparing to order the departure of all nonessential personnel from the US Embassy in Baghdad due to the potential for regional unrest, two US officials said Wednesday. The Baghdad embassy has already been on limited staffing, and the order will not affect a large number of personnel, but the department also is authorizing the departure of nonessential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait. That gives them an option on whether to leave the country.

The U.K. Has Also Issued a Warning to All Vessels Going Through the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz After Being 'Made Aware of Increased Tensions'

Facilities in Middle East will send home non-essential staff and family members