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US Evacuates Embassy Staff in Beirut Amid Iran Tensions, Military Buildup

The U.S. State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members from its embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. The move coincides with a U.S. military buildup in the region and heightened threats against Iran. Reports indicate Iran's Revolutionary Guard has tightened control over the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, preparing for potential conflict. Analysts warn that if Iran feels existentially threatened, it could activate Hezbollah against U.S. and Israeli interests.

Key Points: US Evacuates Non-Emergency Staff from Beirut Embassy

  • US evacuates non-essential embassy staff
  • Tied to Middle East military buildup
  • Iran tightens control over Hezbollah
  • Analysts warn of potential confrontation
  • Embassy remains operational with core staff
2 min read

US orders evacuation of non emergency embassy staff from Beirut

US State Department orders evacuation from Beirut embassy amid Middle East military buildup and rising tensions with Iran and Hezbollah.

"If the regime in Tehran feels threatened, the likelihood of unleashing Hezbollah against Israel and US regional assets increases substantially. - Ross Harrison"

Washington DC, February 23

The US State Department has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency US Government personnel from its Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, on Monday, as per Fox News.

The department did not offer any details for the reason behind the evacuation. The move comes as US President Donald Trump has ordered a large buildup of forces in the Middle East and made threats against the Iranian regime.

"The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from US Embassy Beirut," the State Department said, as per Fox News.

"We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel. The Embassy remains operational with core staff in place. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist US citizens," the statement continued, as reported by Fox News.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has tightened control over Hezbollah in Lebanon amid looming prospects of potential US strikes, according to reports, Fox News reported.

According to the Jerusalem Post, move comes as Hezbollah and Iran prepare for military confrontation in the region, with analysts warning that if Washington specifically strikes the regime, Hezbollah is ready to be "activated."

"If the regime in Tehran feels threatened, the likelihood of unleashing Hezbollah against Israel and US regional assets increases substantially," Ross Harrison, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Fox News Digital.

"Hezbollah would not be activated right away, unless the attack immediately targets the leadership of the Islamic Republic. But as part of a graduated response, Hezbollah will likely be seen as an asset. If it faces an existential risk, then Iran may throw caution to the wind and try to deploy Hezbollah to the maximum," Harrison, author of 'Decoding Iran's Foreign Policy' explained, as per Fox News.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the US has every right to protect its staff, I hope this doesn't escalate into another war. We've seen how regional instability affects global oil prices and our economy here in India. Diplomacy should be the priority, not military posturing.
A
Aman W
The report mentions Hezbollah being "activated". This is scary for the entire region. Lebanon has been through so much. India has always advocated for peace and non-interference. Hope our voice is heard on international platforms.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. It feels like the world is constantly on edge. The US-Iran tensions have far-reaching consequences. I appreciate the detailed analysis in the article about the graduated response. Knowledge is power.
V
Vikram M
A respectful criticism: The article relies heavily on Fox News and analysts from US think tanks. It would be good to also get perspectives from Lebanese or Iranian sources to present a more balanced view. The situation is complex.
K
Karthik V
Our Ministry of External Affairs should issue an advisory soon for Indians in Lebanon and possibly neighboring countries. Better to be safe than sorry. Jai Hind.

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