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The State Department is ordering the departure of nonessential personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and authorizing departures from Bahrain and Kuwait amid rising regional tensions. This follows stalled US-Iran nuclear talks and potential IAEA censure of Iran. The Pentagon is prepared to assist with a potential evacuation from Baghdad. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, but its defense minister warned of a strong response to any conflict, threatening US bases in the region. A UK maritime warning cited increased tensions in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.