Military families have been authorized to leave U.S. bases in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait as Israel is preparing to launch a military strike on Iran within days.
The U.S. has ordered non-essential personnel at its Baghdad embassy to evacuate, amid growing fears that Israel is preparing to launch a military strike on Iran within days.
Officials cited security concerns but did not specify threats. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the decision followed a “recent review” by the State Department.
Former President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday, “They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place and we’ll see what happens.” He added, “We are not going to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.”
Iran’s Defence Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, issued a stern warning: “If a conflict is imposed on us, we will target all US bases in the host countries.”
CBS and NBC report Israel is operationally prepared and could act independently of U.S. involvement. Talks between the U.S. and Iran are set to resume in Muscat, Oman, though trust is fading fast.
Meanwhile, the IAEA revealed Iran has failed to meet its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said there are “plenty of indications” that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapon capabilities.
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu, under political pressure at home, has long opposed any Iranian nuclear deal. His government narrowly survived an opposition bid to dissolve parliament on Thursday.
Military families have been authorized to leave U.S. bases in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait—further signs of a region bracing for conflict.