Increasing tensions, US orders evacuation of embassy staff in Iraq

The United States has begun evacuation of non-substantial staff and family members from the US Embassy in Baghdad as a result of increased security risks in Iraq.

Officials did not provide precise details on the cause of this decision, but according to CBS reports, the US has announced on Wednesday that Israel is willing to launch a military operation on Iran a factor thought to have impacted the decision.

According to the same sources, there is fear that Iran can avenge American targets in Iraq if Israel undertakes an attack, which has prompted American authorities to advise their citizens to leave the region.

This development occurs at a moment when talks between the US and Iran on the Iranian nuclear programme have been blocked. American Emissar for the Middle East Steve Whitoff is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arghchi on Sunday in Muskat for the sixth round of negotiations.

President Donald Trump declared Wednesday from the Kennedy Centre that Americans have been advised to leave the region because “can become a dangerous”. He also stressed that the US would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

Trump has expressed more and more doubts about Iran's intention to stop enriching uranium and has developed a 40-minute tense call this week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah, who supports a military approach to Iran.

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasrzadah warned that Iran would attack US bases in the region if talks fail and the US undertakes military attacks.

According to Reuters, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has also authorised the voluntary departure of American military personnel from other Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain.

Currently, about 2,500 American troops are stationed in Iraq, according to the US Department of Defence. /Periscope