US Prepares for Unusual Gulf Move Amid Iran Tensions

The United States is preparing to order some embassy staff and their families to leave Gulf countries, according to three American officials cited by Reuters. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and concerns about a renewed escalation of military conflict in the Middle East. It is unclear which embassies would be affected, how many personnel would need to depart, or when the order would take effect. It is also unknown if the preparation is based on specific intelligence about a concrete threat.

This potential mandatory departure order, known as an "Ordered Departure" by the U.S. administration, requires certain staff and their families to leave a country for security reasons. However, it does not necessarily mean the embassy will close entirely, as essential personnel might continue diplomatic operations.

In August, the U.S. began returning staff to some of its Middle Eastern posts after they were evacuated or reduced following a war that began in February. The current preparation could signal a renewed shift in the U.S. risk assessment.

In March, Washington had already ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave diplomatic missions in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan after the conflict expanded and U.S. facilities in the region were attacked. The current planned measure may indicate growing U.S. concern for the safety of diplomatic staff in the event of further escalation. However, the preparation itself does not confirm a U.S. decision to launch a military attack.