The State Department announced Tuesday that it has directed all non-essential American government employees and their family members to evacuate from three Middle Eastern nations: Bahrain, Iraq and Jordan.
Officials said the evacuation directive was issued due to heightened security concerns stemming from escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
The announcement comes as American officials continue to assess potential threats to U.S. personnel stationed throughout the region amid the ongoing diplomatic and military standoff with Iranian forces.
