The US has begun a partial withdrawal of staff from its diplomatic missions in the Middle East. According to CNN, the State Department has ordered employees whose presence is not critical to the work of the embassies to leave the territory of Iraq. The decision is attributed to ‘increased tensions in the region.’
According to government sources, similar measures may be taken against the US embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait. Staff cuts are also being considered in those countries to ensure security. Donald Trump confirmed the information about the withdrawal of employees, noting that such measures were taken for security reasons.
The pullout of staff is occurring amidst the background of increasing tensions between Iran and Israel. Potential Israeli strikes against facilities associated with the Iranian nuclear program are being discussed across Middle Eastern media and diplomatic circles. In an interview with The New York Post, Donald Trump expressed disappointment with the course of negotiations with Iran, saying that Tehran was dragging out the process of concluding an agreement on the nuclear programme.
