The US embassy compound is pictured in Baghdad's Green Zone on May 20, 2019 in the Iraqi capital. A Katyusha rocket crashed the previous day into Baghdad's Green Zone which houses government offices and embassies including the US mission, Iraqi security services said in a statement. The rocket -- which came after Washington ordered the evacuation of non-essential diplomatic staff from the Baghdad embassy and the Arbil consulate citing threats from Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups -- caused no casualties, it said. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP)
US to reduce embassy staff in Iraq amid Iran threats, officials say
BAGHDAD — The United States is reducing its diplomatic presence in Iraq amid growing regional tensions and threats from Iran to target U.S. military bases in the Middle East if conflict breaks out, American and Iraqi officials said Wednesday.
A U.S. official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said the decision was made based on latest assessments and described it as a move to reduce the U.S. mission’s footprint in Iraq.
A State Department official, also speaking anonymously, said President Donald Trump remained committed to protecting American personnel both domestically and abroad, and that embassy staffing levels are under continual review.
The development comes as Iran warned it would target American bases in the event of conflict with the United States. Trump, speaking separately, said he was “less confident” about reaching a nuclear agreement with Tehran.
In Baghdad, a senior Iraqi security official confirmed that non-essential embassy staff were being withdrawn. The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said Iraqi authorities were working to prevent any attacks on the U.S. Embassy and had been in contact with Iran-aligned armed groups to urge restraint.
“This is not a full evacuation,” another Iraqi security official said, describing it as “preventive security measures (…) in case negotiations between Washington and Tehran fail.”
During the Gaza war in late 2023, dozens of rocket and drone attacks claimed by Iran-backed groups targeted U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Syria as part of the international coalition against Islamic State.
Despite repeated flare-ups since October 2023, Iraq has largely stayed out of the escalating conflict involving Israel, Palestinian factions, and Hezbollah.
The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait told AFP it had not changed its staffing levels and remained fully operational.
AFP
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