President Trump confirmed Wednesday that U.S. personnel are being moved out of the Middle East, warning reporters that “it could be a dangerous place” and reiterating that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. The remarks followed reports that the U.S. is preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from key locations across the region.
Four U.S. and two Iraqi sources told Reuters that heightened security concerns had prompted the move. Reuters also reports that U.S. intelligence suggests Israel is preparing potential military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The State Department has authorized voluntary departures from bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, and a U.S. official said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the drawdown of dependents across the Gulf—primarily affecting those stationed in Bahrain. Another official confirmed the State Department is preparing an ordered departure from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, with the military on standby to assist if needed.
Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that any strike on Iran would trigger retaliation against U.S. bases throughout the region. “Any military action against Iran, whether by the U.S. or Israel, will have serious consequences,” the official said.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran are set to resume in the coming days, with Tehran expected to respond to Washington’s most recent proposal.
