State Department orders nonessential US diplomats to leave Lebanon
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- The U.S. has ordered nonessential diplomats and their families to leave the U.S. Embassy in Beirut due to escalating tensions with Iran and potential military action, while restricting travel for remaining personnel.
- This move reflects ongoing security concerns linked to Iran's influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah, which has a history of attacks on U.S. targets in the region.
- The embassy will remain operational with essential staff only, and similar reductions were previously seen before U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets.
- Tensions have increased as the U.S. deploys additional military assets to the Middle East amid stalled indirect nuclear talks with Iran, with a new round of negotiations scheduled in Geneva.
- U.S. officials are considering possible limited military
