The United States embassy in Jerusalem has authorized the voluntary departure of non emergency personnel and their families as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran. Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged staff who wish to leave Israel to do so immediately, while emphasizing there was no need for panic. The State Department also updated its travel advisory, urging Americans to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank and warning against travel to Gaza and border areas near Lebanon and Syria.

The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs potential military action against Iran. Tehran has rejected United States demands for zero uranium enrichment, dismantling of its nuclear facilities, and the permanent transfer of enriched uranium stockpiles. Iranian officials instead proposed a temporary freeze on enrichment, insisting that enrichment remains a sovereign right.

The standoff unfolds amid an expanded United States military presence in the Middle East, including additional fighter jets and two aircraft carriers. Trump has reiterated that he will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, as negotiations continue under mounting regional strain.