US orders return of Baghdad embassy, Erbil consulate staff

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States on Thursday announced the return of its embassy staff in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil, following their ordered departure amid last month’s tensions between Israel and Iran. However, Washington continues to advise its citizens against traveling to Iraq, according to a State Department spokesperson.

"Starting today, Secretary [Marco] Rubio decided to end the ordered departure status for the US mission Iraq, personnel, including personnel at the US Embassy Baghdad and us, Consulate General Erbil," US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters during a press briefing. 

"Personnel who are temporarily relocated outside of Iraq will begin a gradual return to US Embassy Baghdad and Consulate General Erbil. The State Department's travel advisory for Iraq remains at a level four, which, of course, translates to do not travel," she added. 

Following the US decision to withdraw staff from Iraq, Israel launched war on Iran which lasted for 12 days. Despite US indirect support for Israel during the first days of the conflict, US missions in the region were not targeted. However, Iran struck US troops in Qatar after Washington hit Iranian nuclear sites. 

"We remain strongly committed to advancing our policy priorities in Iraq, strengthening Iraq's sovereignty, advancing US business interests and engaging with Iraqi leaders and the Iraqi people," Bruce noted.