The U.S. is evacuating personnel from the Middle East as Trump warns the region is dangerous and vows Iran won’t get a nuclear weapon.
BAGHDAD, Iraq. (WE) — The United States is preparing to evacuate some personnel from its embassy in Iraq. It also authorized the voluntary departure of military families from several Middle Eastern countries. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the region could become dangerous and warned again that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.
The evacuation plans came to light after Reuters reported them, citing U.S. and Iraqi sources. They didn’t specify what prompted the decision. However, the news immediately pushed oil prices up more than 4%.
A U.S. official confirmed the State Department had approved voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait. Later that evening, the department updated its global travel advisory. It cited “heightened regional tensions” as the reason for the departure of non-emergency staff.
This move comes at a tense moment. Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran on reviving the nuclear deal have stalled. Intelligence suggests that Israel may be preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites.
“They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place,” Trump told reporters. “We’ve given notice to move out.”
When asked if the U.S. could reduce tensions, Trump replied, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple.”
Trump has often warned of military action if Iran continues enriching uranium. In an interview published earlier Wednesday, he said he doubted Iran would stop.
In Tehran, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that if attacked, Iran would strike U.S. bases in the region.
Despite rising concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait said it had not changed its staffing. It remains fully operational.
The U.S. military has a strong presence across the Gulf, including bases in Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the voluntary departure of dependents. A U.S. official said this mostly applies to families in Bahrain, where many are based.
Another official confirmed the Baghdad embassy is preparing for an “ordered departure.” They plan to use commercial flights, but the military is on standby.
Iraqi officials said they had not seen any direct security threats that would justify evacuations. Meanwhile, there’s no change at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — the region’s largest U.S. base. The embassy in Qatar is also operating normally.
Oil markets reacted quickly. Brent crude rose by $3 to $69.18 a barrel.
Earlier Wednesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations warned of possible military escalation in Gulf waters. It urged caution for vessels traveling through the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK Foreign Office said it’s monitoring developments and reviewing its own embassy in Iraq.
Iraq remains in a difficult position. It hosts about 2,500 U.S. troops but also maintains ties with Iran. Some armed groups backed by Tehran operate inside Iraqi security forces.
Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, Iran-linked militias have targeted U.S. forces in Iraq. These attacks have decreased in recent months but still present a threat.
Last year, Israel and Iran directly exchanged fire for the first time. Missiles and drones passed over Iraqi airspace. That marked a dangerous new phase in their long-running hostility.
Israel has also attacked Iranian-backed groups in Syria and Iraq, viewing them as threats. These strikes raise the risk of a broader conflict in the region.
In response, the U.S. deployed extra military assets in recent months. This included B-2 bombers, though they’ve since rotated out. The Navy extended a second aircraft carrier’s deployment, which has now ended.
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Meanwhile, the next round of nuclear talks is expected soon. Iran is preparing a counterproposal after rejecting the latest U.S. terms. A senior Iranian official said U.S. threats have always been part of its negotiation tactics.
“Any military action, whether by the U.S. or Israel, will have serious consequences,” the official warned in a statement to Reuters.
Iran’s U.N. mission posted on X, saying: “Threats of ‘overwhelming force’ won’t change facts. Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon. U.S. militarism only fuels instability.”
The post seemed aimed at Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command. Kurilla said he gave Trump a “wide range of options” to prevent Iran from going nuclear.
Due to rising tensions, Kurilla postponed his scheduled testimony before Congress, according to U.S. officials.
The situation remains fluid. American embassies and military families are preparing for more potential disruptions. At the same time, the U.S. is signaling it won’t back down on its core demand: Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons.
This week’s developments highlight how quickly things can shift in the Middle East. A diplomatic deadlock, a single strike, or a miscalculation could spiral into regional conflict.
Iraq, long caught between Washington and Tehran, is once again at the center of geopolitical tensions. Even as officials deny immediate threats, the U.S. is taking no chances.
The Biden administration has not yet responded to Trump’s recent comments or actions, but officials are closely watching how Iran reacts in the coming days.
The international community, including allies in Europe and the Gulf, is urging restraint. But deep mistrust between the U.S., Iran, and Israel makes diplomatic breakthroughs difficult.
While the world watches the nuclear talks, oil markets will continue to respond to every signal of escalation. So will military commanders, who remain on alert throughout the region.
If diplomacy fails, the U.S. appears ready to take military action. But any such step would carry enormous risks — not just for Americans in the region, but for global stability.
For now, the U.S. continues to pull back its people from potential hotspots. The message is clear: while seeking peace, Washington is preparing for conflict.
