The United States has begun evacuating nonessential personnel and family members from its embassy in Lebanon, signaling growing concern over regional instability as Washington intensifies its military buildup in the Middle East.

The United States Department of State confirmed Monday that dozens of staff were flown out through Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.

“This is a precautionary measure due to anticipated regional developments,” the State Department said, adding that the United States Embassy in Beirut remains open with essential personnel.

“The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members,” a spokesperson said. “This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate.”

The move comes as the U.S. sharply expands its military presence near Iran, raising fears of a prolonged confrontation.

According to U.S. officials and open-source tracking data, Washington has positioned multiple destroyers across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf, along with two aircraft carrier groups. More than 50 fighter jets — including F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s — have reportedly been deployed to the region in recent days.

The The New York Times reported Sunday that U.S. and Western officials are concerned Iran could activate proxy groups to attack American interests worldwide if President Donald Trump orders major military action.

Officials told the newspaper that intercepted communications show increased “chatter” suggesting coordination and early-stage planning, even if no specific plots have been identified.

Colin Clarke, executive director of the Soufan Center, warned that Iran could respond asymmetrically if its leadership — including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei — feels directly threatened.

“Iran can work through proxies to conduct terrorist attacks that will raise the cost of any U.S. campaign,” Clarke said.

In a separate report, the Times said Trump is weighing a much larger military operation in the coming months aimed at destabilizing or toppling Iran’s leadership if Tehran refuses to meet U.S. demands on its nuclear program.

Such an attack, according to officials briefed on the matter, would represent a dramatic escalation beyond limited strikes.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)