Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Feb 23: The United States has directed nonessential diplomatic personnel and family members to leave Lebanon, citing heightened regional tensions linked to potential military developments involving Iran, according to officials quoted by the Associated Press.

A US State Department official said the move followed a security review and was taken as a precautionary measure. The step will temporarily scale down staffing at the US Embassy in Lebanon to essential personnel, though embassy operations will continue.

Speaking on condition of anonymity as no formal public announcement had been issued, the official described the drawdown as preventive and said the mission remained functional on Monday.

A second State Department official, also speaking anonymously, indicated that Marco Rubio may postpone his planned visit to Israel later this week amid the evolving situation.

The development comes as reports emerged from Iran that thousands of people received anonymous text messages warning of possible US action. According to Iran International, citing Iranian state media, the messages read: “The US president is a man of action. Wait and see.”

Tensions between Tehran and Donald Trump have escalated in recent weeks, marked by sharper rhetoric from Washington and an increased deployment of US military assets in the Middle East. The developments have fuelled speculation about potential military options under consideration.

Reports by Reuters and The Wall Street Journal suggest that possible responses being weighed range from limited, targeted strikes against key regime-linked figures to broader action if Tehran does not respond to US demands.

Despite the rising tensions, another round of negotiations between US and Iranian representatives is scheduled to take place in Geneva on Thursday.