The Middle East Darkens with ‘Iran Airstrike’ Threat... US Approves Withdrawal of Embassy Staff in Israel
As the threat of US military action against Iran increases, the US government has approved the withdrawal of some staff from its embassy in Israel.
Tensions are rising regarding potential military action by the United States against Iran, prompting the US government to authorize the withdrawal of certain personnel from its embassy in Israel. According to a report by Reuters on the 27th, the US embassy in Israel stated that it has approved the removal of staff members and their families. Furthermore, the embassy has cautioned that movement restrictions may be placed on US government employees and their families without prior notification, particularly in areas such as the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank. They also advised considering leaving Israel when commercial flights are operating to ensure safety.
On the 23rd, the US State Department had previously issued a withdrawal order for embassy staff and their families at the US embassy in Lebanon. Concerns have been expressed that, should conflict break out between the US and Iran, American citizens might be at risk of attack from Hezbollah, the Iranian-aligned militia that controls many areas in Lebanon. The situation is increasingly precarious, with China also advising its citizens to leave Iran and enhancing safety measures for those currently in the country, emphasizing the importance of prompt withdrawal.
Despite these rising tensions, diplomatic efforts continue; on the 26th, the US and Iran held a third round of high-level talks in Geneva. However, they did not announce any agreements and have planned to meet again next week for a fourth round of discussions. Following Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government protests last month, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the region, marking the highest deployment of American troops in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War, indicating that the situation could escalate further if diplomatic solutions fail.