US Embassy stays open in Baghdad despite escalation in Iran conflict
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Despite launching airstrikes on Iran over the weekend, the United States continues to operate its diplomatic missions in Iraq, signaling a cautious commitment to regional presence even as tensions mount.
More personnel from the United States diplomatic mission departed Iraq over the weekend as part of ongoing efforts to reduce embassy staffing. The evacuation process began shortly before Israel's initial attacks on Iran.
The situation escalated further on Sunday when U.S. forces joined the conflict with targeted air raids.
Still, both the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil remain open and active.
Meanwhile, Iraq has appealed to both Washington and Tehran to avoid turning its territory into a battleground.
Baghdad is striving to stay out of the escalating conflict, but the U.S. military engagement has fueled concerns that Iranian-backed groups within Iraq could respond with attacks on American facilities or personnel.
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