U.S. Embassy says operating status in Baghdad, Erbil remains ‘unchanged’

BAGHDAD — The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said Thursday that its operations, along with those of the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil, remain unchanged despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

“The operating status of Embassy Baghdad and Consulate General Erbil is unchanged. The U.S. remains strongly committed to advancing our policy priorities in Iraq, strengthening Iraq’s sovereignty, and engaging with Iraqi leaders and the Iraqi people,” the embassy said in a statement.

The update comes as regional hostilities have raised questions about the presence of foreign missions in Iraq. While the embassy reiterated its continued engagement, it made no mention of reducing or scaling back its operations.

Earlier this month, the State Department ordered the departure of nonessential personnel from the embassy in Baghdad and approved the voluntary departure of dependents from diplomatic posts in Iraq and neighboring countries, citing rising security risks.

On June 14, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert warning American citizens in Iraq of “a heightened risk of attacks,” urging them to avoid large gatherings and areas frequented by foreigners. The alert referenced a warning from Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iraqi militia, which said it would target U.S. interests and military bases if Washington becomes involved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.