The United States Embassy in Lebanon announced on Sunday that the U.S. State Department has ordered the mandatory departure of non-essential government personnel and the families of embassy staff from Lebanon, citing escalating instability in the region following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In an official statement, the embassy said, “The U.S. Department of State has ordered the departure of family members and non-essential U.S. government employees from Lebanon due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region.”
The decision comes amid growing fears that the broader Middle East may be pulled into a deeper conflict, particularly after President Donald Trump confirmed U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — marking a dramatic escalation in hostilities, reports Al-Rai daily.
The U.S. Embassy urged American citizens currently in Lebanon to remain vigilant, monitor local news, and review personal security plans. It also advised U.S. nationals to consider departing Lebanon while commercial options remain available.
Security analysts warn that the situation in Lebanon could deteriorate rapidly, particularly given the country’s proximity to multiple flashpoints in the region, and the influence of Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah.
The embassy has not yet indicated whether it will scale back its diplomatic operations, but it emphasized that it will continue to provide emergency consular services. This latest development is part of a broader wave of precautionary measures taken by Washington across the region in response to the rising risk of retaliation and spillover violence.
