US Embassy Personnel to Return to Iraq
The US State Department has announced the end of Ordered Departure Status for personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and U.S. Consulate General in Erbil, effective July 17, 2025.
Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce (pictured) stated that personnel who had been temporarily relocated outside Iraq will begin a phased return to their posts. The decision was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reflecting a shift in the Department's assessment of operational conditions.
Despite this change, the State Department's Travel Advisory for Iraq remains at Level 4 - "Do Not Travel".
Bruce reaffirmed the United States' commitment to strengthening Iraq's sovereignty, supporting American business interests, and maintaining robust engagement with Iraqi leaders and citizens. She added that the State Department and its missions in Iraq will continue to closely monitor the security environment.
(Source: US State Department)
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