Timeline
February 23, 2026 — February 27, 2026
World
Timeline: US Embassy Evacuations Amid Escalating Iran Tensions (February 2026)
In late February 2026, rising tensions between the United States and Iran prompted the evacuation of non-essential diplomatic personnel from US embassies in the Middle East. The crisis began with Lebanon and expanded to Israel, reflecting growing fears of imminent military conflict as President Trump threatened strikes on Iran while diplomatic efforts continued.
7 events · 4 days · 19 source articles
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
State Department Orders Partial Evacuation of Beirut Embassy
The US State Department ordered non-essential diplomatic staff and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. This decision came after a security review amid growing concerns about potential military conflict with Iran. The move represented a significant escalation in precautionary measures as regional tensions mounted.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Approximately 50 Personnel Evacuated from Beirut
According to sources at the US embassy and Beirut airport, approximately 50 people were evacuated from the embassy, with 32 embassy staff and family members confirmed to have flown out of Beirut airport on Monday. The embassy remained operational with core staff in place, described as a temporary measure to ensure personnel safety.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
State Department Issues 'Do Not Travel' Advisory for Lebanon
The State Department formally released an updated travel alert for US citizens in Lebanon, issuing a 'Do Not Travel' advisory due to the security situation in Beirut. The alert confirmed the ordered departure of non-emergency government personnel and stated that remaining US personnel would have their in-country travel restricted.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Beirut Embassy Drawdown Seen as Bellwether for Military Action
Analysts and news reports noted that changes in staffing at the US embassy in Beirut have historically been viewed as indicators of potential US or Israeli military action in the region, particularly against Iran. This context heightened concerns that the evacuation signaled an imminent strike, as President Trump had warned on Thursday that 'real' action was coming.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
Oman-Mediated Talks Between US and Iran Held
A round of Oman-mediated diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States took place, representing a last-ditch effort to avert military conflict. While there was initial optimism about the negotiations, Tehran warned that Washington must drop 'excessive demands' to reach an agreement, tempering hopes for a diplomatic resolution.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
US Authorizes Non-Essential Staff to Leave Israel Embassy
The State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and family members from Israel 'due to safety risks,' expanding the evacuation beyond Lebanon. The embassy advised that people may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights were available, indicating heightened concerns about regional security as military buildup continued.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
USS Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Northern Israel
The USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group was expected to arrive in northern Israel as part of one of the biggest US military buildups in the Middle East in decades. This deployment underscored the seriousness of preparations for a potential strike on Iran, even as diplomatic channels remained open through Oman-mediated talks.
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