US Allows Non-Emergency Staff to Leave Israel as Trump Threatens Iran Strikes

By International Affairs Desk

JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON — The United States has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency embassy personnel and their families from Israel, citing heightened regional tensions as President Donald Trump continues to threaten military action against Iran and pushes for a major diplomatic breakthrough.

The decision came on Friday, amid an intense round of indirect nuclear negotiations with Tehran in Geneva that White House officials described as both “serious” and yet still distant from agreement. The U.S. fears that military escalation — including possible strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure — could provoke retaliation across the region.

Officials at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said the move is precautionary, aimed at maximizing safety for personnel due to “security risks.” It does not involve core diplomatic, political or military staff, who will remain in place. The embassy urged those wishing to leave to do so “while commercial flights are available.”

Growing Concern as Tensions Rise

The announcement mirrors similar moves by other nations: the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and countries such as China, India and Poland have warned citizens to consider leaving Iran due to escalating risks tied to the standoff.

American officials have emphasized the advisory is a precaution, not a declaration of imminent conflict. Still, signs of an intensifying military posture — including the approach of two U.S. aircraft carriers to the region — have raised alarms about the possibility of broader hostilities.

Diplomacy and Uncertainty

The move to allow staff departures comes amid a backdrop of diplomatic urgency: mediators from Oman have been brokering talks between Washington and Tehran in hopes of averting an outright confrontation. Even as some progress in negotiations was described by Tehran’s delegation, major sticking points remain over Iran’s nuclear program and missile development.

Whether these diplomatic efforts can prevent escalation — or whether the situation will intensify into military conflict — remains one of the most consequential geopolitical flashpoints of 2026.

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