Baghdad/Washington, June 12 2025 — The United States announced Wednesday it has ordered the partial evacuation of its Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq and will withdraw non-essential diplomatic staff and their families in response to intensified tensions with Iran. This action also extends to voluntary departures from diplomatic posts in Bahrain and Kuwait; these measures come amid growing worries over stalled nuclear negotiations as well as credible threats relating to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and possible military actions by Tehran.
This ordered departure affects non-essential personnel at both U.S. embassies in Baghdad and Erbil; core diplomatic functions will remain operational according to a State Department spokesperson, who indicated it is being implemented based on recent analyses indicating increased security risks in the region (newsweek.com/politico.com/807/6817077/2035748) (Bloomberg.com, Newsweek.com/8707215/1079761).
U.S. military families in Bahrain, Kuwait and other Middle Eastern bases are being given voluntary exit options, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorizing their dependents’ departure, according to sources such as The Independent (UK), Reuter’s (US), Euronews.com etc.
President Donald Trump described the Middle East region in media remarks as an unsafe one and reiterated Iran must not pursue nuclear arms development, warning that military force could be deployed if diplomacy failed (Apnews.com +5, Reuter’s +5 and IndianExpress +5)
Intelligence reports suggest Israel may be planning strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, contributing to an already elevated U.S. posture (Bloomberg.com/reuters.com/6/472764495 and TimesofLondon/6/4724655/).
Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh issued an angry reply, vowing retaliatory strikes against U.S. bases if Tehran comes under attack (TIME.com and Reuter’s.com both have similar articles).
Oil markets reacted swiftly to the announcement of evacuation: Brent crude prices surged more than four percent, signalling investor unease about possible further escalation in the Persian Gulf (reuters.com/+1 and en.bd-pratidin.com respectively).
UK Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning to commercial shipping in the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman of potential military activity spilling over into key maritime lanes (en.bd-pratidin.com, Reuter’s.com and ApNews respectively).
Iraqi officials have downplayed immediate security threats, with one Iraqi source noting no intelligence pointing towards an imminent danger that necessitates evacuation (eurosport.com/918, apnews.com/918 and newsweek/com/819).
Iraqi authorities are also taking a close look at how escalated U.S.-Iranian tensions might impact them locally.
U.S. diplomats and policymakers are actively trying to engage Iran again behind the scenes, with special envoy Steve Witkoff scheduling his sixth round of nuclear diplomacy – potentially in Oman or Muscat–despite Tehran’s response still remaining unknown (http://apnews.com/8542983); see also Politico.com/8542984 for more on this story; as well as En.Bd-Pratidin.com (8541294) for further coverage.
Still, President Trump has expressed lessening confidence in a successful deal, noting his decreasing optimism regarding an outcome which would curtail Iran’s nuclear enrichment and stop Tehran’s ballistic missile test program (The Times.co.uk, Time.com and politico.com all provide coverage).
As regional tensions escalate–with previous U.S.-Iran proxy confrontations in Iraq and growing Israeli-Iranian hostility–Washington’s partial evacuation sends a clear message that they are preparing for potential instability. Critical embassy operations continue as usual, while approximately 2,500 U.S. troops still remain stationed in Iraq.
Analysts warn, however, that even though this limited evacuation may have defensive intentions, it could unintentionally escalate regional tensions and stress the need for diplomatic breakthroughs to complement military postures.
What to Watch Next
Announcing of the venue and date for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks could come soon, which should provide further indication as to when and where future negotiations might occur.
Iran issued an official response to any Israeli strike preparations.
Regional military alerts and economic indicators, specifically oil prices and shipping advisories.