The Digester

UK withdraws embassy staff from Iran as US orders non-essential staff and families out of Israel

Feb 27th 2026

Britain pulled embassy staff from Iran as a precaution and the United States ordered non-emergency personnel and families to leave Israel amid rising regional tensions and failed nuclear talks with Iran.

  • UK has temporarily withdrawn staff from its embassy in Iran and says the mission is operating remotely.
  • The US embassy in Jerusalem told non-emergency staff and family to leave Israel and warned it may impose further restrictions on personnel.
  • The US advised its citizens to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights remain available.
  • Talks between the US and Iran over Iran's nuclear programme ended without agreement this week and President Trump said he would not allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
  • The US has massed aircraft and warships in the region amid the heightened tensions.
  • The UK has not withdrawn staff from Israel but continues to advise against travel to parts of the country due to security concerns.

Sources

news.sky.com