Energy companies continue operations. The US withdraws 700 diplomats and employees from Iraq.
Energy companies continue operations. The US withdraws 700 diplomats and employees from Iraq.
2025-06-12 00:22
Shafaq News/ An Iraqi security source revealed on Thursday that more than 700 Americans have been evacuated from Iraq in light of the developments taking place in the region. Meanwhile, an Iraqi official confirmed that foreign companies operating in the country have not withdrawn any of their employees.
The source told Shafaq News Agency, “The number of employees and diplomats evacuated from the US embassy in Baghdad exceeds 700 as of dawn today, according to available information.”
The source added, “Most of those evacuated are diplomats, employees, and nationals, amid expectations that American military leaders and figures will also leave Iraq.”
In this context, Reuters quoted a senior Iraqi official as saying that foreign energy companies are continuing their operations as usual, adding that “the Ministry of Oil has not received any notification from operators regarding any reduction in staff numbers.”
This comes against the backdrop of escalating security tensions between the United States and Iran, with threats of military strikes being exchanged after negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue failed to reach an agreement between the two sides.
On Wednesday evening, Reuters quoted Iraqi and American sources as saying that Washington had decided to evacuate its diplomats and employees from the US embassy in Baghdad and several Gulf states.
This follows a statement by Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, in which he threatened that his country would “strike US bases in the region if a conflict erupts with Washington over the nuclear talks.”
shafaq.com
