UPDATE 2 - US Embassy in Lebanon evacuates personnel amid tensions with Iran

ADDS US EMBASSY TWEET IN GRAFS 5-6

By Serdar Dincel and Michael Hernandez

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Embassy in Lebanon evacuated dozens of its personnel via Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut on Monday as tensions continue to escalate between Tehran and Washington.

A State Department official confirmed that non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members were evacuated from the diplomatic mission, saying the decision to draw down staff is "temporary."

"We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel," the official said.

"The Embassy remains operational with core staff in place. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist U.S. citizens," the official added.

The embassy later said in a statement on American social media platform X that its personnel "are restricted from personal travel without advance permission."

"Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats," it added.

Iran and the US are set to reconvene in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday to resume discussions for a potential nuclear deal, amid rising regional tensions and speculations of an imminent war.

The new round of talks came amid an unprecedented US military buildup in the Persian Gulf and a series of military drills by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in recent days.

US President Donald Trump has warned of military action against Iran if a deal is not reached within 10 to 15 days.