US Plans Partial Embassy Evacuation in Iraq Amid Rising Regional Tensions

 

The United States is preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and has authorized military dependents to leave select locations across the Middle East due to growing regional security concerns, multiple US and Iraqi sources confirmed on Wednesday.

While specific threats prompting the move remain undisclosed, the precautionary steps have already had global repercussions, including a more than 4% spike in oil prices. Brent crude rose by $3 to $69.18 a barrel following the reports.

A White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, told Reuters the decision followed a recent review by the State Department but did not elaborate. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, officials added.

One US official noted that voluntary departures were approved for staff and dependents in Bahrain and Kuwait. However, the US Embassy in Kuwait stressed that its operations remain unchanged and fully functional.

In Iraq, a government source told the state news agency that no immediate security indicators warranted an evacuation. Nonetheless, a US official said the State Department is moving toward an “ordered departure” for embassy personnel in Baghdad, potentially using commercial flights—though military assistance remains on standby if needed.

The Pentagon has also approved voluntary departures for military dependents stationed across the region, particularly in Bahrain, where most families are based.

Tensions across the Middle East have surged amid the 18-month-long Gaza conflict, pitting US and Israeli interests against Iran and its regional allies. Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned on Wednesday that Tehran would retaliate against US bases if attacked.

President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran refuses to halt its uranium enrichment program. In an interview released Wednesday, Trump said he was increasingly doubtful Iran would agree to US demands. Nuclear negotiations between the two nations are set to resume in the coming days, with Tehran expected to deliver a counterproposal to Washington’s latest offer.

Meanwhile, Iran’s UN mission stated on X that “threats of ‘overwhelming force’ won’t change facts: Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon and US militarism only fuels instability.”

General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, head of US Central Command, delayed planned testimony before Congress due to the unfolding crisis, sources said.

In Iraq, 2,500 US troops remain stationed despite repeated attacks by Iran-aligned armed groups since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Though such incidents have decreased over the past year, the security landscape remains volatile.

The broader region has also seen direct hostilities between Israel and Iran, with both countries exchanging missile and drone strikes across Iraqi airspace last year. Israel has additionally conducted strikes on Iran-linked groups in Iraq and Syria.

Britain’s maritime agency has warned that ongoing tensions could disrupt critical shipping lanes, advising vessels to remain vigilant in the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz—all bordering Iran.

The US continues to maintain a substantial military presence in key oil-producing nations, including bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE. The US Embassy in Qatar and the Al Udeid Air Base remain unaffected by the current evacuation plans.