U.S. Diplomats Relocated Amid Iran Threats, Says Secretary Rubio

Washington, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that American diplomats and staff stationed abroad have been relocated from certain areas due to security threats. He expressed concerns about risks linked to Iran and the potential for larger conflicts in the region.

Speaking to reporters in Paris, Rubio addressed inquiries about whether the U.S. administration has effectively managed the dangers highlighted last month by American intelligence agencies regarding diplomats overseas. He stated, “We have resolved this issue by relocating personnel from high-risk areas.”

Rubio emphasized that the safety of U.S. employees and their families remains a top priority. When threat levels reach a specific threshold, security conditions, the capability to move personnel, and potential risks are assessed.

The Secretary noted that the concerns extend beyond Iran. He referenced the activities of the Houthi group in Yemen and Iran-backed militias in Iraq, warning that escalating tensions could lead to airport closures, trapping American personnel. “We must not only consider what is happening now but also anticipate what might occur in the future,” he said.

According to Rubio, security officials first evaluate the conditions at U.S. embassies and other sites, including the number of staff and their families, along with evacuation options. Recommendations are then made based on these evaluations, guiding decisions on personnel relocations.

Rubio also criticized Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in response to questions about accusations from French officials regarding cyberattacks linked to the organization. He acknowledged receiving information from French authorities but refrained from disclosing whether the U.S. shared intelligence with France. “What kind of people are they? They attack even refrigerators,” he remarked.

He suggested that the alleged cyber campaign appears to be part of a broader pattern of activities attributed to the IRGC, which has long been involved in terrorist actions and sabotage worldwide. However, he clarified that his criticism is directed at the Iranian government and its leaders, not the Iranian people. “The people of Iran are very good. We should not view them and their rulers as one and the same,” he stated.

During the conversation, Rubio also defended U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who faces impeachment demands over the Iran conflict. He praised Hegseth’s efforts, asserting that recent U.S. military actions have significantly diminished Iran’s military capabilities.