Ambassador Mike Huckabee urgently emailed U.S. embassy staff in Jerusalem to leave “TODAY” as Iranian missiles loom over Israel amid Trump’s military buildup.
Story Snapshot
- U.S. State Department authorizes non-emergency personnel and families to depart Jerusalem embassy on February 27, 2026, due to safety risks.
- Action follows Beirut evacuation and signals fears of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran despite ongoing Geneva nuclear talks.
- Iran threatens ballistic missile retaliation targeting U.S. and Israeli interests.
- Airlines like KLM cancel Tel Aviv flights; allies issue similar warnings.
- Trump balances diplomacy with military options after Central Command briefing.
State Department Issues Urgent Evacuation Order
U.S. State Department announced on February 27, 2026, that non-emergency government personnel and family members at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem may depart voluntarily. Officials cited unspecified safety risks tied to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. The advisory stressed using commercial flights while available and warned of potential restrictions in the Old City of Jerusalem and West Bank. This move disrupts routine operations but prioritizes personnel safety. Common sense dictates swift action when threats mount, aligning with American values of protecting citizens abroad.
Ambassador Huckabee Demands Immediate Departures
Ambassador Mike Huckabee, U.S. envoy to Israel, emailed staff directly: “Do so TODAY” if they wish to leave. His directive underscores the perceived immediacy of dangers from Iranian retaliation. This follows the week’s earlier evacuation of non-essential staff from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut amid Israel-Hezbollah threats. Huckabee’s tone reflects frontline assessment of risks, prioritizing lives over bureaucracy in a volatile region.
Tensions Escalate from June 2025 War
Tensions trace to Iran’s nuclear program and proxy conflicts, surging since December 2025 with President Trump’s ordered U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. The June 2025 “12-day war” saw U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded with missile barrages on a U.S. base—intercepted after warning—and Israel, striking Tel Aviv. Iran claims a restocked arsenal, disputed by observers, heightening strike fears despite U.S. intercept superiority.
Trump’s Diplomacy Clashes with Military Posturing
On February 25, Trump delivered his State of the Union address favoring diplomacy yet justifying potential action against Iran. The next day, Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command briefed Trump on strike options. Simultaneously, third-round Geneva nuclear talks involved Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran described talks as showing “understanding” and “seriousness,” with Vienna technical sessions planned. VP J.D. Vance downplayed endless war risks during Omani mediation talks.
Iran’s Armed Forces spokesperson warned U.S. moves would ignite “widespread fire,” targeting American and Israeli assets. This rhetoric aims to deter strikes but reveals vulnerabilities post-June damage. Facts support U.S. hawks’ viable military option, grounded in deterrence and strength—core conservative principles—over naive trust in Tehran’s words.
https://twitter.com/HDNER/status/2027344859208581610
Allies and Airlines Signal Broader Alarm
Allies echoed warnings: Australia urged diplomat dependents to leave Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. India, Brazil, Singapore, and EU nations advised evacuating Iran; China told nationals to exit. KLM canceled Tel Aviv flights from March 1. These steps indicate regional consensus on rising conflict risks, amplifying U.S. precautions without panic.
Implications Threaten Regional Stability
Short-term effects include embassy disruptions, flight halts, and potential Iranian missile strikes on Israel or U.S. bases. Long-term, actions could derail nuclear talks, spark wider war with Hezbollah proxies, and test Trump’s diplomacy against military resolve. Affected include U.S. families, Israelis under threat, and Iranian civilians near sites. Economically, aviation and trade suffer; politically, alliances strain over war fears. Defense surges while diplomacy stalls.
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U.S. evacuates Israel embassy staff as Trump’s Iran decision looms
