U.S. Begins Evacuation of Personnel Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

WASHINGTON, June 11 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that American personnel are being evacuated from the Middle East due to heightened security risks. He emphasized that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon, a sentiment echoed by U.S. officials earlier in the day.

The evacuation process is focused on non-essential diplomatic staff from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and military dependents from bases across Bahrain and Kuwait. Clarifying the decision, a U.S. State Department official noted that the ongoing tensions in the region warranted a reassessment of personnel.

“They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump stated during a press conference. Although exact security concerns prompting the decision were not disclosed, reports suggest that the evacuation could be linked to stalled nuclear negotiations with Iran.

The State Department updated its travel advisory on Wednesday, recommending the departure of non-emergency personnel from areas with increasing risks. Meanwhile, Iraqi sources have reported no immediate security threats that would justify such an evacuation.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that voluntary departures for military families had been authorized across the region. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in the Middle East, including around 2,500 troops in Iraq.

Heightened tensions have been present since last year, with multiple attacks against U.S. troops by Iran-affiliated groups. Recent developments indicate that Israel is also on high alert regarding potential military actions against Iranian nuclear sites.

“We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies,” a State Department representative stated, reinforcing the focus on safety. The upcoming nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, may influence the evolving diplomatic situation.

In a statement to reporters, Trump reflected on his commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities, stressing that military action could still be a consideration if diplomacy fails. “It would be nicer to do it without warfare,” he admitted.