US orders departure of Beirut embassy personnel amid Iran tension
- Last updated: February 23, 2026 | 20:53 ..
The United States on Monday ordered non-emergency personnel to leave its embassy in Beirut as President Donald Trump threatens strikes on Iran, which has close relations with Lebanese Shiite militia Hizbollah.
"This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist US citizens," a senior State Department official said on customary condition of anonymity.
Around 40 embassy personnel left through Beirut's international airport on Monday, a Lebanese security source told AFP.
The order applies to non-emergency employees and their family members but the embassy will remain open.
"We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel," the US official said.
Trump has ordered a major buildup of American forces in the region as he threatens to attack Iran, saying it must accept an onerous deal on concerns starting with its nuclear program.
Iran says it expects talks Thursday with the United States in what could be a last-ditch attempt at diplomacy.
Agencies