US Orders Diplomatic Staff Out of Iraq, Lebanon as Iran Conflict Escalates

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"A group of US diplomatic vehicles leaving the US embassy in Baghdad under military escort, dusk setting, tense atmosphere, realistic photojournalism style."

The United States has intensified its diplomatic drawdown in the Middle East, ordering additional evacuations of staff from Iraq and Lebanon. This comes amid rising regional tensions following coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

According to diplomatic sources, non-essential American personnel and family members began departing Iraq on June 21 and 22, continuing a phased withdrawal strategy. The decision reflects growing security concerns as threats of retaliation by Iran and its allied groups mount across the region.

In Lebanon, the US Embassy confirmed that Washington had instructed the immediate departure of diplomatic families and non-critical staff due to what it described as a “volatile and unpredictable” environment. This move follows a long-standing travel advisory for Lebanon, where the geopolitical situation remains fragile.

“These steps are precautionary but necessary,” a senior US official said anonymously, citing heightened threats to American interests following Tehran’s warnings. The source noted that while embassy operations in both countries remain open, personnel will be significantly reduced to minimize exposure.

On the diplomatic front, Iraq’s government issued a strong condemnation of the latest strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, warning of the risks such escalations pose to regional peace. “This escalation is dangerous and may ignite broader instability,” Iraqi spokesperson Basim Alawadi stated. Baghdad emphasized its position as a nation caught between powerful allies on opposing sides of the conflict.

Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group, has so far refrained from overt military action. However, recent statements from its leadership suggest that the group reserves the right to respond “in a manner it deems appropriate” should the conflict widen.

The US decision to scale back its diplomatic presence comes amid broader fears of spillover violence in an already volatile region. Tehran has previously vowed to target US military bases if provoked, and its rhetoric has grown sharper since Washington aligned with Israel in the ongoing confrontation.

Observers warn that proxy factions in Iraq—many with close ties to Iran—may seek to exploit the situation to settle old scores with American personnel. Similar fears loom in Lebanon, where past conflicts have erupted with little warning.

Despite the escalations, Washington continues to assert that it is not seeking a direct war with Iran. Officials maintain that recent military actions were limited to disrupting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and deterring further aggression.

Still, the tension has sparked widespread alarm across diplomatic circles and raised critical questions about the safety of foreign missions in the region.

The situation remains fluid, and analysts suggest that more embassies may follow suit depending on how Iran responds in the coming days.

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