Additional US embassy staff left Iraq due to 'regional tensions': US official

More personnel from the United States diplomatic mission departed Iraq over the weekend as part of ongoing efforts to reduce embassy staffing due to "regional tensions", a US official said Sunday after Washington attacked Iranian nuclear sites.

After the US strikes, Iraq's government denounced a "military escalation" that threatens "peace and stability in the Middle East."

The US official told AFP that "as part of our ongoing effort to streamline operations, additional personnel departed Iraq on June 21 and 22."

The departures were a continuation of a process that started last week "out of an abundance of caution and due to heightened regional tensions", he added.

The embassy and the consulate remain operational.

Earlier on Sunday, Washington joined Israel's war with Tehran as President Donald Trump announced US strikes on Iran's main nuclear sites.

Read more: Iran: We will defend ourselves against US 'criminal aggression' with 'all force'

Iran had threatened to target US military bases in the region if conflict broke out.

Fears are growing in Iraq over a possible intervention by Iran-backed armed factions, who have threatened Washington's interests in the region if it were to join Israel in its war against Iran.

Iraq, which has for years been navigating a delicate balancing act between its allies, Tehran and Washington, has long been a fertile ground for proxy battles.