23.02.2026 23:52
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has requested that non-essential government personnel and their family members leave the country due to the "security situation in Beirut." A U.S. State Department official, providing information on the matter, stated that the decision was made due to "increased tensions with Iran," while another official indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio may postpone his planned visits to Israel this weekend.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has issued a new travel warning for citizens in Lebanon.
"LEAVE LEBANON"
In a statement referring to the "security situation in Beirut," the embassy said, "The State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members due to the security situation in Beirut."
REASON: INCREASING TENSION WITH IRAN
A U.S. State Department official, speaking to the Associated Press (AP), stated that due to increasing tensions with Iran, "non-essential diplomats and their family members" are being asked to leave Lebanon. The official noted that the personnel in question would temporarily depart the country.
Another U.S. State Department official, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio might postpone his planned visits to Israel this weekend.
NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE U.S. AND IRAN
It was announced that the third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S., mediated by Oman, would take place on February 26 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The parties had met in Oman on February 6 for indirect negotiations and agreed to continue the contacts. The talks then continued in Geneva on February 17.
In the discussions, the focus was particularly on Iran's uranium enrichment rate and the status of its stock of highly enriched uranium.
Source: AA / IHA