Tensions rise in Iran; US withdraws troops from Lebanon

According to US media reports on August 23, given the escalating tensions related to Iran, the US State Department ordered “non-essential” US diplomats and their families to leave Lebanon. The reports quoted a State Department official as saying that ongoing assessments of the regional security environment indicated that reducing the size of the US embassy in Lebanon was a “prudent move,” retaining only essential personnel. The official also stated that this was a temporary measure, and the embassy continued to operate normally on August 23. According to Lebanon’s Broadcasting Corporation, dozens of US embassy staff members were evacuated from Beirut airport on August 23 for security reasons. The US has recently been massively building up its military presence in the Middle East. US President Trump recently acknowledged that he is considering a “limited military strike” against Iran. Simultaneously, the US has begun withdrawing some personnel from military bases in the Middle East.