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Saturday, Jun 14, 2025
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US to Partially Evacuate Embassy in Iraq Due to Security Concerns
Non-essential staff and dependents to leave Baghdad amid rising tensions linked to stalled nuclear talks with Iran.
The United States government has announced a partial evacuation of non-essential mission staff and their dependents from its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, citing heightened security risks.
This decision was confirmed by US government officials on Wednesday.
Though specific reasons for the evacuation were not disclosed, it follows a recent stagnation in negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.
A representative from the US State Department stated that the department regularly assesses personnel requirements at its embassies, and based on the latest evaluations, the decision was made to reduce the embassy's operational footprint in Iraq.
President Donald Trump has expressed increasing skepticism regarding the possibility of a deal with Iran over its nuclear activities.
The US seeks a halt to Iran's uranium enrichment program, which is crucial for the development of nuclear weapons, in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions imposed on Tehran.
In response to the stalled discussions, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Iran would retaliate against American bases in the region should diplomatic efforts fail and should military actions be directed by the US president.
In related developments, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the voluntary departure of the family members of military personnel stationed in several Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain, further emphasizing a heightened state of alert in the region.
Additionally, the UK's Maritime Trade Operations organization has issued warnings indicating that escalating military tensions in the Middle East could significantly impact shipping activities.
Consequently, the international oil market reacted to these developments, with prices initially surging by more than 4% amidst fears that renewed instability could disrupt the supply chain.
Currently, approximately 2,500 US troops are deployed in Iraq, according to the US Department of Defence.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the situation reflects a different domestic security concern, as nearly 4,800 National Guard and Marine personnel are now reportedly stationed in the city, surpassing the number of American troops in Iraq and Syria combined.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly criticized what she termed a 'double standard' in the use of military forces domestically, particularly in response to recent protests sparked by immigration policies.
The Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has also ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to San Antonio ahead of anticipated immigration-related protests, with the intention of maintaining peace and order amidst heightened sensitivity surrounding the treatment of protesters and the enforcement of immigration laws.
Governor Abbott’s assertion underscores a contrasting approach to the domestic deployment of military resources as tensions related to immigration continue to escalate across various states.
This decision was confirmed by US government officials on Wednesday.
Though specific reasons for the evacuation were not disclosed, it follows a recent stagnation in negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.
A representative from the US State Department stated that the department regularly assesses personnel requirements at its embassies, and based on the latest evaluations, the decision was made to reduce the embassy's operational footprint in Iraq.
President Donald Trump has expressed increasing skepticism regarding the possibility of a deal with Iran over its nuclear activities.
The US seeks a halt to Iran's uranium enrichment program, which is crucial for the development of nuclear weapons, in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions imposed on Tehran.
In response to the stalled discussions, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Iran would retaliate against American bases in the region should diplomatic efforts fail and should military actions be directed by the US president.
In related developments, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the voluntary departure of the family members of military personnel stationed in several Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain, further emphasizing a heightened state of alert in the region.
Additionally, the UK's Maritime Trade Operations organization has issued warnings indicating that escalating military tensions in the Middle East could significantly impact shipping activities.
Consequently, the international oil market reacted to these developments, with prices initially surging by more than 4% amidst fears that renewed instability could disrupt the supply chain.
Currently, approximately 2,500 US troops are deployed in Iraq, according to the US Department of Defence.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the situation reflects a different domestic security concern, as nearly 4,800 National Guard and Marine personnel are now reportedly stationed in the city, surpassing the number of American troops in Iraq and Syria combined.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly criticized what she termed a 'double standard' in the use of military forces domestically, particularly in response to recent protests sparked by immigration policies.
The Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has also ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to San Antonio ahead of anticipated immigration-related protests, with the intention of maintaining peace and order amidst heightened sensitivity surrounding the treatment of protesters and the enforcement of immigration laws.
Governor Abbott’s assertion underscores a contrasting approach to the domestic deployment of military resources as tensions related to immigration continue to escalate across various states.
