U.S. Reduces Nonessential Personnel in the Middle East
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is reducing the number of personnel considered nonessential to its operations in the Middle East due to potential regional instability, according to statements from both the State Department and military officials on Wednesday.
Embassy Personnel Ordered to Leave
The State Department announced that it has ordered all nonessential staff to exit the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. This decision follows a recent assessment aimed at ensuring the safety of Americans both domestically and internationally. The embassy was already operating with limited staffing, so the order won’t involve a large number of personnel.
Voluntary Departures Authorized
Additionally, the State Department is allowing nonessential personnel and their families in Bahrain and Kuwait the option to leave those countries. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also sanctioned the voluntary departure of military dependents across the region, as U.S. Central Command closely monitors escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Rising Regional Tensions
Tensions have been escalating recently, particularly due to stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding Iran’s advancing nuclear program. The discussions are aimed at placing limits on Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for lifting some of the severe economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Negotiations Likely on Hold
The sixth round of talks was tentatively planned for this weekend in Oman. However, two U.S. officials revealed that such discussions now appear increasingly improbable. President Donald Trump has indicated diminishing confidence in the prospect of a deal with Iran, suggesting that negotiations have encountered delays.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s U.N. mission asserted that “threats of overwhelming force won’t change the facts,” reiterating that Iran is not pursuing a nuclear weapon. Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh expressed hope that negotiations would be productive, but warned of Iran’s preparedness to respond to any conflict.
Warnings for Maritime Activity
The UK Maritime Trade Operations center has cautioned ships in the region to remain vigilant amid increased tensions that could lead to military escalations affecting maritime activities. While the warning did not mention Iran by name, it was highlighted that past incidents in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz have involved Iranian seizure of vessels.
