US-Iran Tensions, Washington Evacuates Embassy Staff in Lebanon

JAKARTA - The United States (US) Embassy in Lebanon evacuated dozens of personnel through the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, following the continued escalation of tensions between Tehran and Washington.

A US State Department official confirmed that non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members had been evacuated from the diplomatic mission. He said the decision to reduce staff was temporary.

"We continue to assess the security environment on an ongoing basis, and based on the latest review, we have decided that the wisest course of action is to reduce the presence to essential personnel," the official said, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Tuesday, February 24.

"The embassy remains operational with essential staff on duty. This is a temporary measure to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining the ability to operate and assist US citizens," he added.

In a statement on the social media platform X, the embassy said its personnel were "restricted from undertaking personal travel without prior permission."

"Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on US personnel under the security responsibilities of the Chief of Mission, with short notice or no notice at all due to increased security concerns or threats," the statement said.

Iran and the US are scheduled to meet again in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday (26/2) to continue discussions on a possible nuclear deal, amid rising regional tensions and speculation about the potential for an imminent war.

The new round of talks comes amid an unprecedented US military build-up in the Persian Gulf as well as a series of military exercises by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in recent days.

US President Donald Trump has warned of military action against Iran if an agreement is not reached within 10 to 15 days.