US partially evacuates Beirut embassy amid rising Iran tensions
The State Department has ordered non-essential staff to leave the embassy in Beirut after a security review.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel."
— Marco Rubio , Politician
"Bad things would happen if Iran did not reach an agreement over its nuclear programme."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"I believe there was still a chance the dispute could be resolved diplomatically 'based on a win-win game'."
— Abbas Araghchi , Politician
"I don’t want to use the word ‘frustrated’, because he understands he has plenty of alternatives, but he’s curious as to … why they haven’t capitulated."
— Steve Witkoff , Executive
"really bad things will happen if diplomacy fails."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Iran and the US are expected to hold a third round of nuclear talks on Thursday in Geneva."
— Badr Al Busaidi , Politician
"I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we don’t make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country and, very sadly, its people, because they are great and wonderful, and something like this should never have happened to them."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"The schedule remains subject to change."
— Marco Rubio , Politician
"I expect to meet with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday."
— Abbas Araqchi , Politician
Key People
Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister of Iran.
Abbas Araqchi is an Iranian Foreign Minister.
Supreme Leader of Iran.
Oman's Minister of Foreign Affairs who confirmed the third round of Iran-US negotiations.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
U.S. Secretary of State.
Matthew Levitt is a former US deputy assistant secretary for intelligence.
A special envoy involved in negotiations with Iran.
Tags
All Coverage
The State Department has ordered non-essential staff to leave the embassy in Beirut after a security review.
The State Department is pulling out non-essential government personnel and their eligible family members from the U.S. embassy in Beirut, amid growing concerns about the risk of a military conflict with Iran.
The US instructed non-emergency personnel to depart its embassy in Beirut on Monday, scaling back its diplomatic presence as tension rises between Washington and Tehran.
The U.S. State Department has evacuated dozens of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Lebanon due to escalating tensions with Iran, with approximately 30-50 staff members leaving the country.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says 'vital services' to remain
Israel said in September it would act in response to UK sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
October 8, 2026 at 08:18 AMBritain removes East Jerusalem consulate signage as Israeli shutdown deadline expires - Reuters
Britain removes East Jerusalem consulate signage as Israeli shutdown deadline expires Reuters
October 8, 2026 at 04:13 AMUS and Lebanon protecting wanted Syrian general, BBC finds
Bassam al-Hassan, linked to reporter Austin Tice's abduction, is being sheltered in return for information.
October 8, 2026 at 05:00 AMEXCLUSIVE: Lebanon's Hezbollah gets $200 million from Iran to help displaced, sources say - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: Lebanon's Hezbollah gets $200 million from Iran to help displaced, sources say Reuters
October 7, 2026 at 06:11 PMSeveral injured in attack on airport in Saudi capital Riyadh
The US embassy says it is "aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport", which come days after Yemen's Houthis said they had struck it.
October 10, 2026 at 06:37 PMCalifornia leaders hit back after Trump says Iran can 'take out' LA and San Diego
The US president said rising gas prices were a "small price to pay for keeping the world safe" at an election rally in Nebraska.
October 6, 2026 at 11:13 AM