US Urges Citizens and Embassy Staff to Leave Israel Amid Rising Tensions with Iran
The United States has urged its citizens to consider leaving
Israel and has authorized the departure of non-essential embassy staff in Israel, amid the looming threat of an American strike on Iran. This development comes amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the latter's nuclear program.
Background and Context
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been mounting, with President Donald Trump threatening to strike Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear program by early March. The U.S. has been amassing military force in the Middle East, marking the largest regional mobilization since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Trump's threats have been accompanied by a significant military build-up in the region, with the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest supercarrier, now operating in the Mediterranean Sea, and a surge of six E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control planes in the area.
Key Developments
The U.S. Embassy in Israel told its staff on Friday that it could leave the country and urged anyone considering departure to do so immediately. The American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, sent an email to the embassy staff stating that those who wanted to leave 'should do so TODAY', according to 'The New York Times'. The embassy did not provide further details on the safety risks leading to the authorized departure, which allows affected personnel to decide whether to leave.
The U.S. Department of State advisory also urged against travel to Israel and advised U.S. citizens to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available
. The advisory further authorized the departure of non-essential government workers and their families from Israel.
Implications and Reactions
Warnings from the U.S. come in the wake of a round of Oman-mediated talks between Iran and the U.S seen as a last-ditch bid to avert war. However, initial optimism was tempered by Tehran warning Washington to drop “excessive demands” to reach a deal.
This move by the U.S. is seen as a sign of the escalating threat of war with Iran, with many anticipating retaliatory strikes on Israel in response to an attack on Iran. Tehran and Washington did not reach an agreement on the Iranian nuclear plan on Thursday, making a U.S. strike a possibility.
Current Status
Despite the looming threat of a military confrontation, indirect talks mediated by Oman have resumed, with a third round due in Geneva, where Tehran is expected to table a draft agreement. However, the U.S. has demanded that Tehran set out the concessions it is willing to offer, and it remains unclear whether Iran's proposal will meet Trump's threshold requirements.
The situation continues to develop with all eyes on the upcoming negotiations and the U.S.'s next move in this high-stakes geopolitical standoff.