US President Donald Trump said that American personnel were being moved away from a potentially “dangerous” Middle East hours after Washington decided to reduce its staff at its Baghdad embassy, with progress faltering on a potential new nuclear deal with Iran.
Washington’s decision came after Iran on Wednesday threatened attacks on American bases in the region if the ongoing nuclear talks fail and Tehran was subjected to military strikes.
“The Department of State updated its Travel Advisory for Iraq on June 11, to reflect the Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel,” the Department said in a statement. “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.”
It said that American citizens in Iraq “face high risks, including violence and kidnapping.”
“Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities. The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats,” the statement added.
On Wednesday, the State Department decided to reduce its mission in Iraq and evacuate non-emergency staff, saying the decision was taken in line with measures to keep its diplomatic personnel safe.
The decision, which sent oil prices rising, came amid ongoing talks between the US and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program. On Wednesday, Trump expressed pessimism over the Islamic republic’s readiness to cease uranium enrichment - a key US demand.
On Thursday, Trump reiterated that Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon,” stressing that “we’re not going to allow that.”
Iran and the US have held five rounds of Oman-mediated nuclear talks to strike a new deal to replace the 2015 nuclear accord – also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), that Trump withdrew from during his first term in 2018.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran if the two sides fail to reach a deal, and speculation is mounting that Israel could strike Iran’s nuclear facilities - a scenario Washington is looking to avoid.
