In light of the escalation of regional tensions and fears of a widening confrontation in the Middle East, the United States announced precautionary measures related to its diplomatic presence in Lebanon, in a step that reflects the sensitivity of the current stage. These developments come in conjunction with strict American warnings regarding the Iranian nuclear file and military reinforcements in the region, which brings back to the fore concerns of sliding towards a broader confrontation that may affect regional stability.
Published on: 02/23/2026 - 21:54
The US State Department announced on Monday the withdrawal of non-essential employees and their family members from the US Embassy in Beirut, in a precautionary step that comes against the backdrop of escalating fears of the possibility of a military conflict with Iran.
The official, who requested anonymity, added, "We are conducting a continuous assessment of the security situation, and based on the most recent assessment we conducted, we deemed it wise to reduce our presence to essential personnel only."
He added, "The embassy is still fully operational with the presence of essential personnel. The measure is temporary and aims to ensure the safety of our employees while maintaining our ability to work and assist American citizens."
A source at the American embassy reported that 50 people had been evacuated, while an official at Beirut airport said that 32 embassy employees, accompanied by their family members, left the airport on Monday.
Read also: America - Iran: Will Tehran respond to Washington’s conditions?
The United States has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East, with President Donald Trump warning on Thursday that “very bad things will happen” if an agreement is not reached to resolve the long-standing dispute over the Iranian nuclear program.
An internal State Department memo seen by Reuters regarding the withdrawal said: “If employees holding sensitive positions wish to leave, please review alternative arrangements for filling these positions and consult with your region’s executive office as necessary.”
The State Department said on Monday that it had updated its travel advisory for Lebanon, and confirmed its warning to American citizens not to travel to that country. The remaining embassy employees are prohibited from personal travel without prior authorization, and additional travel restrictions may be imposed “with short-term or no notice due to increased security concerns or threats,” the cable said.
American interests were repeatedly targeted in Lebanon during the 1980s, coinciding with the Lebanese civil war that broke out in 1975 and continued until 1990.
The United States at the time held the Iranian-backed Hezbollah responsible for attacks, including a suicide bombing that targeted a US Marine headquarters in Beirut in 1983, killing 241 soldiers, and a suicide attack that targeted the American embassy in Beirut in 1983, killing 49 of its employees.
France 24/Reuters
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