US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sent an email Friday morning requesting non-essential staff and their families to leave Israel today if they wish, as nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran failed to reach an agreement.
In the message to all personnel at the mission in Jerusalem, Mr. Huckabee wrote: “Those wishing to depart should do so TODAY.” He emphasized that the top priority is to leave the host country as quickly as possible and find flights to transit points before returning to Washington.
The Ambassador stated that the decision was made out of caution. He said there was no need to panic, but those wishing to leave should plan early.
The move followed indirect negotiations between the US and Iran in Geneva on Thursday, which failed to achieve a breakthrough. Further technical exchanges are scheduled to take place in Vienna next week.
Iran’s state television confirmed that Tehran is continuing uranium enrichment, rejected proposals to transfer uranium abroad, and demanded the immediate lifting of sanctions. The US delegation, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, presented three key demands regarding the nuclear program.
The Tehran administration refused to expand negotiations to include its ballistic missile arsenal and ties to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Vice President JD Vance told the Washington Post that a US strike would not necessarily mean a long war in the Middle East. He stressed that a diplomatic solution remains the preferred option, though the outcome depends on Iran’s stance.
Sources indicate that President Trump is considering various options, including limited strikes on military and nuclear facilities, and even options targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior officials to pave the way for a change in power structure.
Last June, a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran resulted in 33 Israeli deaths and more than 3,200 injuries from missiles and drones.
The US State Department has authorized the voluntary departure of non-essential staff and their families from Israel. Washington has not yet issued an official comment on the Geneva talks.
Source: New York Times; Washington Post; Iranian state television.
