US Prepares to Order Departure of Baghdad Embassy Staff

Key Points: 

Embassy Operating with Reduced Staffing; Departure Order to Affect Nonessential Personnel

The US Embassy in Baghdad has already been operating with a reduced number of staff due to ongoing security concerns. According to multiple US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the forthcoming order will not impact a large portion of the embassy workforce but will require all nonessential personnel and their families to leave Iraq.

This partial evacuation reflects the State Department’s assessment of a deteriorating security environment that could threaten the safety of American diplomats and their families stationed in Baghdad.

Pentagon on Standby to Support Potential Evacuation

The Pentagon is prepared to support the evacuation process if requested, with military assets ready to assist in the safe departure of US personnel from Baghdad. While the State Department intends to conduct the evacuation primarily through commercial means, US military support remains a contingency plan should the security situation worsen suddenly.

This readiness underscores the seriousness with which the US government views the current threats and the importance of ensuring the safety of its diplomatic staff.

Broader Evacuation Authorizations in Bahrain and Kuwait

In addition to Baghdad, the State Department has authorized the voluntary departure of nonessential personnel and family members from US diplomatic missions in Bahrain and Kuwait. This authorization allows individuals stationed in these countries to decide whether to remain or leave, reflecting concerns about regional instability that extend beyond Iraq.

These measures indicate a precautionary approach by the US to mitigate risks amid rising tensions in the Gulf region.

Rising Regional Tensions Linked to US-Iran Nuclear Talks Impasse

The heightened security concerns stem largely from the apparent deadlock in nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran. Talks aimed at reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have stalled, raising fears of renewed conflict.

Iran’s Defense Minister, General Aziz Nasirzadeh, issued a stark warning on June 11, 2025, declaring that Tehran would target US bases in the region if hostilities escalate. He emphasized Iran’s capability to strike American military installations “in the host countries without hesitation,” heightening fears of a potential military confrontation.

International Maritime Warning Highlights Escalating Risks

The United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations center, which monitors shipping in the Middle East, issued a cautionary statement warning mariners of increased tensions that could escalate military activity affecting vessels in critical waterways such as the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.

While the warning did not explicitly name Iran, these strategic maritime corridors have been flashpoints for past Iranian naval actions, including ship seizures and attacks, adding to the overall atmosphere of instability.

Iran’s Response to US Military Posture

Iran’s mission to the United Nations responded to reports of US evacuation preparations by asserting that “threats of overwhelming force won’t change the facts.” The mission reiterated Tehran’s position that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and accused the US of militarism that fuels regional instability.

General Nasirzadeh expressed hope that talks with the US would produce results but maintained that Iran is prepared to respond decisively if conflict is imposed upon it.

Historical Context: Embassy Security in Baghdad

The US Embassy in Baghdad is the largest American diplomatic mission worldwide and has long been a focal point of security concerns. Located within the heavily fortified Green Zone, the embassy compound has faced threats from militant groups and proxy forces over the years, necessitating extensive security measures.

The decision to order a partial evacuation echoes previous instances when the US scaled back its diplomatic presence in Iraq due to heightened threats, reflecting the persistent volatility in the region.

Impact and Implications of the Evacuation

The evacuation of nonessential personnel from Baghdad signals a significant escalation in US caution amid a deteriorating security environment. It underscores the risks posed by the ongoing US-Iran tensions and the potential for these to spill over into Iraq, where American personnel have long been targeted by hostile groups.

While the evacuation does not indicate an immediate closure of the embassy, it reduces the US diplomatic footprint and may affect embassy operations and US influence in Iraq during a critical period.

The US State Department’s preparation to order the departure of all nonessential staff from the Baghdad embassy highlights the growing security risks in Iraq and the wider Middle East amid stalled nuclear talks with Iran and Tehran’s aggressive rhetoric. With the Pentagon on standby to assist, and similar departure authorizations in Bahrain and Kuwait, the US is taking precautionary steps to safeguard its personnel.

This development reflects the fragile nature of regional stability and the potential for rapid escalation, underscoring the challenges facing US diplomacy and military presence in a volatile environment.