Mideast tensions ratchet up as US orders partial evacuation of Iraq embassy

The United States ordered a partial staff withdrawal from its Baghdad embassy as a UK maritime authority warned of Persian Gulf threats and the top US commander in the Mideast canceled a congressional appearance to address the situation.

Iran and the United States were due to hold a sixth round of nuclear talks over the weekend as a dispute over Iranian enrichment festers and both sides have mooted the potential for the impasse to devolve into conflict.

However, it looked increasingly unlikely that the talks would happen, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday citing two US officials, as tensions in the Middle East ratchet up.

It is not immediately clear if the security precautions in the region are linked to Iran.

The US embassy in Baghdad is set to be evacuated due to increased security threats in the region, Reuters reported on Wednesday citing an Iraqi security source and a US official.

“The State Department is set to have an ordered departure for (the) US embassy in Baghdad. The intent is to do it through commercial means, but the US military is standing by if help is requested,” one American official was quoted as saying.

The US Central Command chief Michael Kurilla, postponed testimony before congress on Thursday due to the tensions, the agency reported citing two US officials.

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nassirzadeh said on Wednesday that Tehran would strike American bases in the region if nuclear negotiations fail and conflict arises with the United States.

"Some officials on the other side threaten conflict if negotiations don't come to fruition. If a conflict is imposed on us... all US bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries," Nassirzadeh said during a press conference.

Iraq's state news agency, citing a Baghdad government source, said "steps related to evacuation of US diplomatic presence are not only for Iraq, but several states in Middle East."

Earlier on Wednesday the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) warned it had learned of potential threats in the Persian Gulf.

"UKMTO has been made aware of increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners," it said.

The maritime security firm advised vessels to transit the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz with caution.