U.S. tells some embassy staff in Israel to leave now amid Iran tensions
Feb 27th 2026
Washington told some embassy staff and families they may leave Israel immediately after stalled Iran talks and rising regional risk, with officials citing an abundance of caution.
- Some U.S. embassy staff were told they may leave Israel and were urged to do so immediately.
- The instruction came in an email from Ambassador Mike Huckabee telling those wishing to leave to "do so TODAY" and citing an abundance of caution.
- The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem authorized departure for non-emergency personnel and family members citing safety risks.
- The move follows stalled talks in Geneva between Washington and Tehran and a major U.S. military buildup in the region.
- Iran has threatened attacks on U.S. bases if it is struck, raising the risk of wider escalation that could draw in Israel.
- Several countries and some airlines have advised evacuations or suspended flights, and China urged its citizens to avoid travel to Iran.