US orders nonessential staff to leave Baghdad embassy

The U.S. State Department is preparing to order the departure of nonessential personnel from the Baghdad embassy due to rising regional tensions. This decision follows reports of stalled nuclear talks with Iran and potential censure by the IAEA. The order, which will not affect a large number of personnel, also authorizes departures from Bahrain and Kuwait. The Pentagon is ready to support a potential evacuation, while Iran has warned against U.S. militarism. Increased tensions have prompted warnings to ships in the Persian Gulf.