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The United States is reducing the number of personnel considered nonessential to operations in the Middle East, the State Department announced Wednesday, amid growing tensions in the region and stalled nuclear negotiations with Iran.
The department also authorized the departure of nonessential staff and family members from U.S. embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait, allowing them the option to leave those countries. Officials stated that the decision followed a security review in response to the increasing threat environment.
“President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad,” an unnamed State Department official told ABC News. “In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce our Mission in Iraq.”
The shift comes as high-stakes nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran appear to have reached an impasse. Iran has continued to push for the ability to advance its nuclear enrichment program, raising concerns among U.S. officials and regional allies.
While the State Department did not cite specific threats, the reduction in personnel signals a heightened level of caution as tensions rise across the Gulf. U.S. officials have previously warned about potential threats to American personnel from Iran-backed groups operating in the region.
The administration stated that the moves are part of ongoing efforts to protect U.S. diplomatic and military personnel while continuing to engage with allies and partners in the region.
The orders take effect immediately, with officials stating that the situation will be continuously monitored and adjusted as necessary.
Earlier this month, Trump signaled a harsh stance on Iran’s nuclear program, stating that any potential agreement to ease sanctions would require Tehran to completely abandon its uranium enrichment activities.
“The AUTOPEN should have stopped Iran a long time ago from ‘enriching.’ Under our potential Agreement — WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!” Trump posted to Truth Social.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also released a strong statement earlier this month concerning Iran.
“President Trump has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb,” Leavitt said in a statement.
“Special Envoy Witkoff has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it’s in their best interest to accept it. Out of respect for the ongoing deal, the Administration will not comment on details of the proposal to the media,” she continued.