The United States embassy in Baghdad is preparing for an ordered evacuation due to escalating security risks in the region, according to an Iraqi security official and a US source who spoke on Wednesday. The development follows growing threats from Tehran amid strained nuclear negotiations.
Iran’s Defence Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, earlier warned that the country would target US military bases in the region if conflict arises or nuclear talks with Washington collapse. The alarming statement has heightened fears of a potential military escalation across the Middle East.
“The State Department is set to have an ordered departure for the US Embassy in Baghdad. The intent is to do it through commercial means, but the US military is standing by if help is requested,” a US official disclosed.
While the US State Department has not yet issued an official statement, preparations appear to be underway. Despite the growing threats, there has been no change in operations at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest US military installation in the region. US officials confirmed that both the base and the US Embassy in Qatar remain fully operational, with no evacuation orders issued.
Adding to the uncertainty, US President Donald Trump, in a newly released interview, expressed diminished confidence in the prospect of Iran halting uranium enrichment as part of any nuclear agreement. He reiterated previous threats to bomb Iran if a new deal is not reached.
Melissa Enoch
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