The United States has authorised the partial evacuation of diplomatic missions and military bases across the Middle East, citing growing tensions with Iran and the risk of potential regional escalation.
The move, confirmed by the State Department on Wednesday, involves the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from the US embassy in Iraq, with similar voluntary departures permitted at American embassies in Kuwait and Bahrain.
“Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement emailed to media outlets.
The Pentagon has also approved the departure of military families stationed in the region.
A US defence official said Central Command (CENTCOM) was “working in close coordination with our Department of State counterparts, as well as our allies and partners in the region, to maintain a constant state of readiness to support any number of missions around the world at any time.”
The measures come as American intelligence agencies reportedly assess that Israel may be preparing to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — possibly without seeking prior approval from Washington.
According to The Washington Post, concerns have been raised that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could act unilaterally.
Netanyahu’s office last month dismissed as “fake news” claims that Israel was holding discussions with US President Donald Trump about pre-emptive military action against Iran.
Speaking in an interview with the local media aired Wednesday, Trump said he had become “less confident” about achieving a deal with Tehran, following five rounds of indirect negotiations brokered by Oman.
“Iran is slow-walking the talks,” the US president said. Trump has long insisted on dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme — a demand firmly rejected by Iranian officials.
Responding to the latest developments, Iran’s mission to the United Nations reiterated that Tehran is not pursuing nuclear weapons. “Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability,” the mission said in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Tehran would respond with force if attacked. “We will target all US bases across the region without hesitation,” he said.
Tensions between the US and Iran have remained high since Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord during his first term, citing alleged Iranian violations.
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