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

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.

Iran had threatened to target US military bases in the region if conflict breaks 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 Tehran and Washington, has long been a fertile ground for proxy battles.