Additional US embassy staff left Iraq due to ‘regional tensions’, says official

BAGHDAD – More personnel from the US diplomatic mission departed Iraq over the weekend as part of ongoing efforts to reduce embassy staffing due to “regional tensions”, a US official said on June 22 after Washington attacked Iranian nuclear sites.

After the US strikes, Iraq’s government denounced a “military escalation” that threatens “peace and stability in the Middle East”.

The US official told AFP that “as part of our ongoing effort to streamline operations, additional personnel departed Iraq on June 21 and 22”.

The departures were a continuation of a process that started last week “out of an abundance of caution and due to heightened regional tensions”, he added.

The embassy and the consulate remain operational.

Earlier on June 22, Washington joined Israel’s war with Tehran as President Donald Trump announced US strikes on Iran’s main nuclear sites.

Iran had threatened to target US military bases in the region if conflict broke out.

Fears are growing in Iraq over a possible intervention by Iran-backed armed factions, who have threatened Washington’s interests in the region if it were to join Israel in its war against Iran.

Iraq, which has for years been navigating a delicate balancing act between its allies Tehran and Washington, has long been a fertile ground for proxy battles.

On June 22, the Iraqi government expressed “its deep concern and strong condemnation of the targeting of nuclear facilities” in Iran, spokesman Basim Alawadi said.

“This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability,” he added.

Mr Alawadi warned that “the continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state”.

Iraq called “for immediate de-escalation and the urgent opening of diplomatic channels to contain the situation and defuse the crisis”. AFP