US reduced diplomatic staff in Middle East while attacking Iran

The United States ordered the departure of personnel from its Iraq and Lebanon-based diplomatic missions, according to Al Arabiya English via AFP.  This move came amid the western country’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 22nd.

Diplomatic staff were withdrawn from Iraq on June 21st and June 22nd to reduce embassy presence in response to “regional tensions.” In Lebanon on June 22nd the US State Department instructed non-emergency members of the US government to leave the country.

A US official said that in the case of Iraq, the departures were taken “out of an abundance of caution” and form part of a broader effort to “streamline operations.”

Al Arabiya English via AFP