Iraq embassy evacuation explained as Iran nuclear tensions soar with Trump's US
While Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, the West believes Tehran is close to getting its own nuclear warhead through uranium enrichment
The US has evacuated its embassy in Iraq as threats of a nuclear war continue to rise. In recent days, Donald Trump has continued to trade threats with Iran as the "deal-maker" president tries to handcuff Tehran to the negotiating table over its uranium enrichment programme.
Iran claims the programme is for civilian purposes and that they have no intention of creating a nuclear warhead. Countless countries use nuclear power as an energy source. The process of developing atomic energy involves enriching the concentration of uranium so it can be used as an electricity source.
However, a further level of concentration, Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU), would allow the state to develop a nuclear warhead. Inspectors have previously said Iran is close in on reaching that level of enrichment.
Fears Iran has developed Highly Enriched Uranium
The west has long feared that once Tehran has reached this milestone, it will not hesitate to use its warhead - which would have catastrophic consequences for the region and the world. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - a UN watchdog tasked with overseeing compliance to international law about nuclear power - has released a report accusing Tehran of failing to co-operate with its inspectors.
One of Trump's first orders during his first presidency in 2017 was to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal, which was one of Barack Obama's key foreign policy achievements. By doing so, Trump scrapped an agreement that took two years and the efforts of seven countries to achieve.
Why is the US withdrawing staff from Iraq?
Iran's national and proxy forces have a track record for targeting US bases in Iraq when tensions reach boiling point in the region.
Back in January 2020, following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US air strike, Tehran pummelled US bases across Iraq - its neighbour. This and other similar attacks are likely the reason why Washington has ordered the mass evacuation today.
Us-Iran talks stall as Trump and Tehran trade blows
It comes as talks between the the US and Iran - which seek to limit Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief - appear to have hit a roadblock. Though the next round is scheduled for this weekend in Oman, officials say it's unlikely the talks will go ahead.
Trump has repeatedly threatened Tehran with military action, including the targeting of its nuclear facilities if the negotiations don't go ahead.
It looks likely that the US may be withdrawing its embassy staff due to fears of retaliatory threats over potential military action. Iran's Defence Minister has hit back at Trump, threatening to pummel US bases across the region if he strikes first.
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