The United States has launched urgent evacuations of non-essential personnel and diplomatic families across the Middle East, citing heightened security risks following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The move comes amid fears of imminent Iranian retaliation, plunging the region into a state of heightened alert.

The U.S. State Department issued a formal evacuation order for non-critical staff and diplomats’ families in Lebanon, urging American citizens to “exercise caution and monitor news for breaking developments.” The directive extends to several other countries, with U.S. embassies implementing stringent security measures:

Israel: Family members of U.S. diplomats are being evacuated by sea, while diplomatic staff have been ordered to remain in shelters due to the threat of an imminent Iranian attack.

Iraq: The U.S. has significantly reduced its embassy staff in response to escalating security concerns.

Saudi Arabia: Embassy officials have advised personnel to avoid non-essential travel, particularly near military sites.

Türkiye: U.S. diplomats are restricted from personal travel to the Adana consular district in southern Türkiye, with a State Department advisory warning of potential anti-U.S. sentiment driven by opposition to U.S. foreign policy.

The evacuations were triggered by U.S. airstrikes on June 22 targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities. Former President Donald Trump claimed the strikes caused “severe damage” to Iran’s nuclear program, while Iranian officials minimized the impact and vowed retaliation.

Evacuation efforts in Israel began preemptively on June 18, with the U.S. Embassy organizing flights for American citizens. These efforts intensified on June 21 as the risk of Iranian reprisals grew more apparent.

With both Washington and Tehran exchanging threats, the mass evacuation of U.S. personnel signals a critical escalation in regional tensions. The Middle East now stands on the brink of further instability as the international community braces for Iran’s response. (ILKHA)