U.S. Asks Non-Emergency Embassy Staff to Leave Israel, Urges 'Do So Today'as Possible Strike on Iran Nears

The United States has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from its embassy in Jerusalem, urging those who wish to leave Israel to "do so TODAY" as fears mount over a potential American strike on Iran.

In an email sent Friday to staff at the U.S. mission and reviewed by multiple media outlets, Ambassador Mike Huckabee said the decision was made out of "an abundance of caution" following overnight meetings and discussions with the U.S. Department of State. While the message did not explicitly mention Iran, it came amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

"There is no need to panic," Huckabee wrote. "But for those desiring to leave, it's important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later."

The embassy has shifted to "authorized departure" status as of 10 a.m. Friday, allowing nonessential staff and their dependents to evacuate at government expense when U.S. national interests or imminent threats to life require it. Huckabee warned that the move would likely lead to high demand for outbound flights from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, advising employees to secure seats to any available destination and continue onward travel from there if necessary.

Airlines have already begun adjusting operations. KLM suspended service to Israel, citing "commercial and operational considerations," while other carriers have reduced connections amid the deteriorating security outlook.

The advisory follows a third round of nuclear talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva that concluded Thursday without a clear breakthrough. Though Iranian officials and Omani mediators described the six-hour discussions as constructive and agreed to continue negotiations next week — with technical talks possibly taking place in Vienna — the White House has remained publicly silent on the details. President Donald Trump has simultaneously overseen one of the largest U.S. military buildups in the Middle East in decades.

American officials have indicated that options under consideration include targeted strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities to pressure Tehran into further concessions. Broader military action, potentially aimed at destabilizing the regime, has also reportedly been discussed if diplomatic efforts fail.

Iran has warned it would retaliate against U.S. bases across the region if attacked. Israel — which fought a 12-day conflict with Iran in June — is widely viewed as a likely target of any Iranian counterstrike, especially if it participates in a U.S.-led operation.

The State Department on Friday also urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank, citing terrorism and civil unrest. Similar precautionary steps have been taken elsewhere: earlier this week, the U.S. ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Lebanon.

Other countries are following suit. China has advised its citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible, while Australia, Poland, Finland, Sweden, India and Singapore have recommended that citizens avoid certain areas in the Middle East or consider departing. Several governments have begun withdrawing dependents of diplomatic staff from regional postings.

Meanwhile, U.S. naval deployments have intensified. A second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has entered the Middle East and is now reported to be operating in waters near Israel. The carrier could support offensive operations or bolster defenses against potential Iranian counterstrikes

Despite the heightened military posture, diplomatic channels remain open. Mediators have said further consultations are planned in the coming days, underscoring the fragile balance between negotiation and escalation as the region braces for what could be a pivotal moment.