US withdraws some embassy staff from Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate

The US has ordered the departure of non-essential embassy staff and their families from the Middle East over heightened security concerns in the region.

The decision comes amid an apparent impasse in US-Iran nuclear talks, with US President Donald Trump saying he was “less confident” the pair would reach a deal.

The US State Department on Wednesday announced it would be partially evacuating personnel from the US embassy in Baghdad to “keep Americans safe, both home and abroad.”

The US embassy in Baghdad already operates at limited staffing due to security risks, and the order will not affect a large number of personnel.

Read more: Euronews