February 23, 2026, 4:40 p.mFebruary 23, 2026, 4:40 p.m
Amid tensions between Washington and Tehran, the US State Department has asked some of its embassy staff in Beirut to leave Lebanon.
The signs between the USA and Iran point to war.Image: keystone
“Non-emergency” personnel and authorized family members from the embassy should leave the country, the ministry in the US capital said.
After a recent assessment of the security situation, it was concluded that “it would be advisable to reduce our presence to essential personnel,” said a high-ranking ministry official. The US Ministry emphasized that a “core team” remained operational and that the reduction in personnel was only temporary.
No progress in nuclear negotiations
The USA and Iran are currently negotiating the controversial Iranian nuclear program – but there has been no tangible progress so far. There are fears that US President Donald Trump will instead launch a military strike against the leadership in Tehran.
Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran, is based in Lebanon. If there is a military strike, there could also be further tensions in Lebanon. The Shiite militia is itself in conflict with Israel. In September 2024 they were in open war. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military attacks Lebanon almost every day. It accuses Hezbollah of violations. (hkl/sda/dpa)