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U.S. Withdraws Diplomats from Iraq as Iran Tensions Escalate

By Orgesta Tolaj

|

13 June 2025

ICE IRAN

© Art Guzman / Pexels

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On June 11, 2025, the U.S. State Department announced the evacuation of nonessential diplomats and military dependents from Iraq, citing rising tensions with Iran over its stalling nuclear negotiations and potential regional threats.

A partial U.S. Embassy evacuation in Baghdad is also underway, and troop family members in Bahrain are being allowed to leave voluntarily.

What Sparked the Move?

The pullback is a reaction to what U.S. officials describe as Iran’s “maximalist, humiliating” response to proposed nuclear restrictions, particularly those taxing Iran’s uranium enrichment. Escalating threats from Iran, including plans for potential missile strikes on U.S. installations, prompted the State Department to bolster “force protection measures” for American personnel in the CENTCOM region.

iran
© Somchai Kongkamsri / Pexels

Who Is Affected?

  • Nonessential embassy staff and dependents are being relocated from Baghdad.
  • U.S. military families in Bahrain have been offered safe departure options due to regional risk.
  • A diplomatic footprint reduction in Iraq reflects broader caution within volatile Middle East settings.

Wider Regional Implications

The move comes ahead of the sixth round of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks, with Washington pushing for lower enrichment levels and access to frozen assets. Moreover, Tehran remains resistant, delaying the negotiation scheduled for June 12. The diplomatic drawdown aligns with a U.K. warning to vessels in the Gulf concerning increased regional military activity.

What Happens Next

  • Talks aim to resume June 12, but uncertainty remains as both sides dig in.
  • Embassy reductions may persist depending on Iran’s escalation or diplomatic progress.
  • Oil shipping risk: Additionally, the UK maritime advisories highlight threats from potential new hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz.

Reactions From Lawmakers and Experts

U.S. lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern over the deteriorating situation. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez stated that “the evacuation signals just how serious the threat from Iran has become,” urging the Biden administration to “pursue diplomacy while remaining vigilant.” Meanwhile, foreign policy analysts warn that Iran may be leveraging instability in Iraq to gain negotiating power. Some also see this as a potential setback for the fragile U.S.–Iraq relationship, which has been strained by rising Iranian influence in the region.

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