US EVACUATES EMBASSY STAFF FROM IRAQ AMID FEARS OF IMMINENT CONFLICT

The United States has ordered the evacuation of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Baghdad, citing heightened security threats in the region. US government officials confirmed that the decision was partly influenced by credible intelligence suggesting that Israel is preparing a potential military operation against Iran.
CBS News, quoting US officials, reported that the anticipated Israeli strike could prompt retaliatory attacks by Iran targeting American assets in Iraq. As tensions escalate, the Biden-era nuclear negotiations with Iran have stalled, prompting US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to seek urgent talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat on Sunday.
A spokesperson for the US State Department stated, “Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq,” and described the move as a precautionary measure.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the Kennedy Center, urged Americans to exit the region, describing it as “a dangerous place,” while doubling down on his opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “We’re not going to allow that,” he said, referencing his administration’s ongoing strategy review on containing Tehran.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently criticised Iran’s “less than satisfactory” cooperation regarding unexplained nuclear materials found at undeclared sites. Iran, in turn, dismissed the report as biased and based on Israeli disinformation.
In response to the rising tension, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also approved voluntary departures for military families across the Middle East. Oil prices surged by over 4% as traders feared supply disruptions due to the looming instability.
The Pentagon warned that Iran was showing “plenty of indications” of moving toward nuclear capability, even as Tehran continues to insist its uranium enrichment is strictly for civilian energy purposes.