The US State and Defence departments are currently organising the evacuation of non-essential staff from various locations across the Middle East, as confirmed by officials and sources familiar with the situation. Although the precise reasons for this abrupt decision remain unclear, a defence representative indicated that the US Central Command is closely observing increasing tensions in the region.
President Donald Trump has been informed about these personnel movements. The heightened security concerns coincide with escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, alongside the Trump administration’s ongoing attempts to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Iran. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has approved the voluntary departure of military dependents based in the Middle East, emphasising that the safety of service members and their families is a top priority.
General Michael Kurilla, the CENTCOM commander, has similarly postponed his scheduled testimony before a Senate committee due to the rising tensions. The State Department is also preparing to mandate the departure of non-essential personnel from US embassies in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait because of the increased security risks. Additionally, non-essential staff will be evacuated from the US consulate in Erbil, Kurdistan.
An Iraqi government official has asserted that these personnel movements are not related to the security situation in their country. The State Department has yet to respond to requests for comments on these developments.
In a recent interview, Trump expressed concerns about the likelihood of achieving a deal with Iran, suggesting that he felt less optimistic about negotiations as Tehran may be delaying agreement. He shared that he sensed a growing distance from a potential deal, reflecting his instincts about the situation.
Further complicating matters, reports indicated that Trump advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from discussing potential military action against Iran. A recent conversation between the two leaders was described as “smooth.” Reports from last month suggested that US intelligence had intercepted indications of Israel preparing to possibly target Iranian nuclear installations, though there is significant internal disagreement within the US government regarding the likelihood of such an Israeli attack.
Iran’s defence minister has issued a warning that, should negotiations fail and conflicts arise, the US would be compelled to withdraw from the region. He noted that Iranian military capabilities could threaten US bases, leading to severe consequences for US forces. This narrative underscores the mounting pressures and intricate dynamics at play in US-Iran relations, as well as the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.