The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members from Mission Israel on Friday due to safety risks.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee informed staff via email early Friday that the embassy had shifted to "authorized departure" status effective 10 a.m. local time. He urged those wishing to leave to do so immediately, stating, "Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY." The authorized departure allows affected individuals to decide whether to leave at government expense, falling short of a full ordered evacuation.

The decision reflects heightened concerns over a potential military conflict with Iran. Iran has threatened to strike U.S. bases if attacked, amid stalled nuclear negotiations. Indirect talks brokered by Oman in Geneva on Thursday produced some understandings but left key differences unresolved, with technical teams scheduled to meet in Vienna next week.

President Trump has warned of strikes on Iran if no deal curbs its nuclear program, though he favors diplomacy. U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the American delegation, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Tehran of rebuilding facilities damaged in last June's U.S. strikes, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer. Those strikes followed Iranian missile attacks on Israel and a U.S. base in Qatar, during a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign against Iranian missile sites that the U.S. later joined.

The U.S. has deployed significant military assets to the Middle East in preparation for possible escalation. Earlier this week, the embassy in Beirut ordered non-emergency personnel to depart. Several nations, including Australia, China, and European countries, have issued evacuation advisories for their citizens in Israel and Iran.

The State Department's travel advisory for Israel remains at "Reconsider Travel" due to terrorism and civil unrest, with "Do Not Travel" zones near Gaza, northern borders with Lebanon and Syria, and parts of the West Bank. U.S. personnel face restrictions on travel near these areas without approval.