The United States reportedly ordered a temporary withdrawal of some staff at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, citing concerns of attacks inspired by the approaching anniversary of the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
The incremental drawdown of personnel would take place leading up to Jan. 3, one year after President Trump ordered a drone strike that killed Soleimani and Iraq’s Abu Mahdi al Muhandis, who headed the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces, an official told CNN.
The decision to reduce staff at the embassy was made during a Tuesday meeting of the National Security Council’s Policy Coordination Committee. The “de-risking” would remain in effect until mid-January, a person familiar with the decision told the Washington Post.
“Ambassador [Matthew] Tueller remains in Iraq and the Embassy in Baghdad continues to operate,” a State Department spokesman said in a statement. “The State Department continually adjusts its diplomatic presence at Embassies and Consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, the health situation, and even the holidays.”
A defense official said that Iranian leaders “aren’t going to give up” on their desire for revenge following the attack.
Days after the drone strike, Iran attacked two U.S. bases in Iraq with more than a dozen ballistic missiles. No deaths were reported following the attacks, but more than 100 troops were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after the incident.
Tensions in the region heightened on Friday after Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakrhizadeh was assassinated in broad daylight. Regarded as the Robert Oppenheimer of Iran, Fakhrizadeh was integral to building Iran’s nuclear program. The assassination has been blamed on Israel, a country that has refused to comment on the incident.
In retaliation, Iran’s Guardian Council on Wednesday approved a bill that would order Iran’s atomic energy agency to return uranium enrichment to levels not seen in the country since the U.S. and Iran entered the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015, commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear deal, if the incoming Biden administration and European powers fail to lift sanctions by early February, according to the New York Times. The bill also suspends access to any Iranian nuclear facilities for outside investigators.
At Fakhrizadeh’s funeral, the Iranian defense minister vowed that the country would continue Fakhrizadeh’s work “with more speed and more power” than ever before.
