US accelerates Middle East diplomat evacuations as Washington weighs Iran strikes

The United States is accelerating the evacuation of diplomats and their families from Middle East missions amid fears of renewed strikes on Iran, with the State Department ordering nonessential personnel to leave Saudi Arabia and reducing staffing at embassies in six other countries. American diplomats described the process as chaotic, with many staff having recently returned after a previous evacuation and learning of the move through news reports rather than leadership. The American Foreign Service Association cited bureaucratic confusion, while personnel raised concerns about insufficient financial support for relocating families. The evacuations follow President Donald Trump's suggestion of possible new military action against Iran, referencing "another Epic Fury," as the conflict nears eight months. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the ordered departure applied to Saudi Arabia only, citing Houthi attacks on civilian targets.