An official from the State Department stated that the United States has instructed non-essential diplomatic staff and their relatives to depart Lebanon due to increasing tensions concerning Iran and the looming threat of a…
WASHINGTON(AP) — On Monday, a State Department representative announced that the U.S. has directed non-essential diplomats and their families to evacuate Lebanon amid escalating tensions regarding Iran, heightened by the prospect of an impending military action.
The official explained that an ongoing evaluation of the security situation in the region led to the conclusion that it was “wise” to reduce the number of staff at the U.S. Embassy, ensuring only vital personnel stayed at their assignments.
Speaking anonymously because the decision had not been officially disclosed, the official clarified that this is a provisional step and the embassy continued its operations on Monday.
Another department official, also requesting anonymity to discuss unannounced plans, mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio might postpone his scheduled trips to Israel this coming weekend.
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