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Citing sources in the US State Department, Politico reported that dozens of US diplomats stationed in Baghdad and other cities in Iraq will soon be repatriated. However, the source did not explain when the withdrawal would take place.
“The State Department continues to adapt its diplomatic presence at embassies and consulates around the world in line with its mission, local security environment, health situation and even holidays,” a US State Department official told Politico. (Also read: Analyst: Biden Must Face Old and New Threats in Iraq to ‘Block’ Iran)
“Ensuring the safety of US government personnel, US citizens, and the safety of our facilities remains our highest priority,” he continued, as reported by Sputnik on Thursday (3/12/2020).
The staff cut was supposed to be temporary, but because of the tense relations between Washington and Tehran, it is not known when the US diplomats will return to the US embassy in Baghdad.
Iraq has often been a battleground between the US and Iran. After Qassem Soleimani’s death, Tehran responded by launching missiles at US troops stationed in Iraq, reportedly causing dozens of soldiers to suffer brain injuries.
Tensions between the US and Iran have risen sharply in the wake of the assassination of Fakhrizadeh, a senior Iranian scientist who helps lead the country’s nuclear program. (Also read: Returning to the Iran Nuclear Treaty, Biden Prepares New Demands)
The latest reports come after Trump considered closing the US embassy in Baghdad after intelligence services in September became concerned about attacks on American forces in Iraq and the embassy itself.
(esn)
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