RIYADH - Large numbers of Americans have left Iraq via Baghdad International Airport over the past 24 hours, Saudi-based Al Hadath reported on Friday.

The report also said the US Embassy in Baghdad had conducted an emergency evacuation drill. There has been no official confirmation from Iraqi or US authorities regarding the reported departures.

The development comes amid growing speculation over a possible US strike on Iran, as Washington has authorized the evacuation of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Israel.

Meanwhile, the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrived off the coast of Haifa in northern Israel on Friday.