US partially evacuates embassy staff from Iraq

IANS June 12, 2025 357 views

The US State Department has ordered a partial evacuation of non-essential embassy staff from Iraq due to unspecified security risks. Tensions are rising with Iran as nuclear negotiations appear increasingly uncertain, with President Trump expressing growing doubts about reaching an agreement. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved voluntary departure for military dependents in the Middle East. Diplomatic efforts continue, with a potential meeting between US and Iranian officials scheduled this weekend.

"We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies" - US State Department
Washington, June 12: Non-essential US embassy staff and their dependents have been ordered to leave Iraq due to unspecified security risks, sources from the US State Department have said.

Key Points

1

US reduces diplomatic presence in Iraq amid rising regional tensions

2

Trump expresses skepticism about Iran nuclear deal progress

3

Military dependents authorized voluntary departure from Middle East

4

Diplomatic talks continue despite heightened security concerns

"Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq," the State Department said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies," it added.

Also on Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the voluntary departure of US military dependents from the Middle East.

The security risks leading to the ordered departure from Iraq are not immediately clear, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to media reports, Iran recently threatened to strike US bases in the region if negotiations over Iran's nuclear program fail.

US President Donald Trump told a podcast on Wednesday that he was growing less confident in reaching a nuclear deal with Iran.

"I don't know," Trump told the "Pod Force One" podcast when asked about talks over the Iran nuclear program. "I don't know. I did think so, and I'm getting more and more - less confident about it."

Later on Wednesday, when asked why families of US military personnel were authorised to leave the Middle East, Trump said: "You will have to see."

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi this weekend for a sixth round of nuclear talks.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This shows how unstable the Middle East situation remains. India must be careful about our energy imports and diaspora in the region. Our government should have contingency plans ready. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Why is America always creating tensions in this region? First Iraq war, then sanctions on Iran...now this. They should focus on peaceful diplomacy rather than threats and military action.
A
Amit S.
Rising oil prices will hurt our economy again if tensions escalate. Hope our foreign ministry is talking to both US and Iran to ensure stability. Chabahar port is too important for India's interests.
S
Sunita R.
The US evacuation reminds me of 1990 before Gulf War. Hope history doesn't repeat. Many Indians work in Iraq - our embassy should also issue advisories if needed. Safety first!
V
Vikram J.
Interesting timing...just when India is strengthening ties with both US and Iran. We must maintain our strategic autonomy and not get pulled into others' conflicts. Non-alignment was always our best policy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
US Embassy Iraq Evacuation Iran Nuclear Talks Pete Hegseth Donald Trump Diplomatic Security