Several unverified reports claimed that embassy staff were seen leaving Iraq and Kuwait, indicating that there could be a strike forthcoming from the U.S. on Iran. Now, the U.S. is dispelling rumors.
Wall Street Journal national security reporter Robbie Gramer wrote on X, "U.S. officials are now refuting reports that the U.S. is ordering departure of non-emergency personnel from US embassies in Iraq and Kuwait."
The Daily Mail reported that Britain has evacuated its staff from Iran amid fears that President Donald Trump will strike the country.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has also advised its nationals in Iran to leave the country immediately amid concerns of a strike by the U.S.
China has also urged its citizens to get out of Iran as soon as possible.
No alerts have been posted on the U.S. embassy in Kuwait's website since Jan. 16.
Iraq has been under a "Level 4 do not travel" alert since June 12, 2025. There are no other new alerts on their site from February 2026.
Al Arabiya English reported on its site that there were evacuation drills among embassy staff in Baghdad.
What has been confirmed, however, is that on Friday, the U.S. government told those in the embassy in Israel that they and their families should leave.
"The Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel from Mission Israel due to safety risks," the Embassy website reads. "In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available."
