By Kingsley 
ISTANBUL
The US is evacuating some nonessential personnel from its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, a State Department official confirmed Wednesday.
“President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies,” the official told Anadolu in a statement. “Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce our Mission in Iraq.”
A senior Iraqi government official said the move is part of broader US diplomatic procedures across the Middle East and not tied to any specific security threat within Iraq. The official told the Iraqi News Agency that Iraqi authorities have observed no indicators justifying an evacuation and that diplomatic missions in Iraq continue to operate safely.
The extent of the US evacuation remains unclear.
Earlier Wednesday, Iran’s defense minister threatened to target US bases in the region if conflict erupts over Tehran’s nuclear program.