U.S. orders more diplomats to leave Middle East

The U.S. State Department has ordered additional diplomats to leave Turkey and Saudi Arabia, citing heightened security risks from potential Iranian retaliatory strikes. This directive expands previous evacuation orders for non-emergency personnel and family members from Israel, the West Bank, and Iraq. The move reflects escalating tensions following recent U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq. Officials have not specified a timeline for the withdrawals but emphasize the volatile security environment. The orders affect both embassy and consulate staff in Ankara, Istanbul, and Riyadh. This is part of a broader U.S. effort to reduce its diplomatic footprint in the region amid fears of broader conflict.

Global Impact

This diplomatic drawdown signals a deteriorating security environment in the Middle East, with potential for direct U.S.-Iran confrontation. Economically, oil markets face immediate upside risk, impacting global inflation expectations and central bank policy paths.