TEL AVIV, Feb 27: The U.S. Embassy in Israel has advised non-essential diplomatic personnel and their families to leave the country immediately amid sharply escalating tensions with Iran, underscoring fears that a wider conflict could erupt across the Middle East.
In an email to staff on Friday morning, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told embassy employees that those wishing to depart “should do so today” and urged them to secure seats on available outbound flights from Ben-Gurion International Airport”. The message, described as issued “out of an abundance of caution,” came after consultations with the U.S. State Department and follows a travel advisory authorising voluntary departures.
“There is no need to panic,” the ambassador wrote, but added that it was important for those choosing to leave to make arrangements immediately given the likelihood of high demand for airline seats.
The evacuation guidance reflects mounting concerns over a possible U.S. military strike on Iran, after nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington failed to produce a deal. Iran has warned that U.S. bases and Israel could be targeted if hostilities erupt, raising fears of a regional confrontation.
The move by the U.S. comes as American military presence in the region increases, including deployment of advanced aircraft and warships, signalling heightened preparedness amid diplomatic and security volatility. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit Israel next week to coordinate regional strategy as tensions with Tehran continue.
Other foreign missions have also taken precautions, with several nations advising citizens to reconsider travel or initiating departures of their staff and families in response to the deteriorating security environment.
The situation remains fluid, with global attention on whether diplomacy can avert military confrontation between the United States and Iran.
