Amid rising tensions with Iran, the US has authorized the departure of non-essential embassy personnel and family members from Israel. President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and threatened military action. The IAEA reports activities around an Iranian uranium storage site.
The US has authorized the departure of part of its embassy personnel in Israel due to security risks. Non-emergency personnel and all family members of embassy staff may leave the country, the US Embassy in Israel announced. The State Department approved this due to security risks. Further restrictions for government employees and family members are possible, including travel bans to certain areas of Israel. Individuals should consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee recommended to all his staff who wish to leave Israel to do so today, according to the "New York Times." He sent a corresponding email in the morning.
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction on Friday with the talks with Iran. "I am not happy about how they are behaving," Trump said in Washington. "They should make a deal, that would be smart of them." Iran has not agreed to renounce possession and acquisition of nuclear weapons. "We want Iran not to possess nuclear weapons, and they are not saying those important words." On a possible military operation, Trump said: "It would be nicer if a military operation were not necessary – but sometimes you have to do it that way." He emphasized not wanting to use the "strongest military in the world" and has not made a final decision.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has observed activities around an underground storage site for highly enriched uranium in Iran via satellite images. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi shared this in a report in Vienna. The IAEA cannot inspect the material on-site as Tehran does not allow it. The report was prepared ahead of further talks in Vienna.
Israel and the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities last June to prevent nuclear weapons production. Since then, Iran has not permitted IAEA inspections at these sites; they are monitored only by satellite. The IAEA cannot verify if Iran has stopped uranium enrichment or how much uranium is present. Grossi wrote that it is "indispensable and urgent" for Tehran to allow inspections.
Regular vehicle activities were observed at an access point to the uranium storage site in Isfahan, as well as at attacked enrichment facilities.
Before the attacks, Iran had about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, enough for several nuclear weapons if further processed. The whereabouts are unclear.
The US and Iran last negotiated in Geneva with Omani mediation. Technical talks are set for next week in Vienna. The US aims to prevent Tehran's nuclear weapons development; Iran denies intentions, is willing to limit its program, and demands the lifting of sanctions. Trump issued an ultimatum until early March and threatened military action.
