US begins embassy evacuations amid escalating tensions in the Middle East

The United States has initiated a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and approved the voluntary departure of military dependents from various parts of the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, in response to rising regional instability.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized this move and that they are closely monitoring the growing tensions. The State Department stated that all non-essential staff at the US Embassy in Baghdad, already operating with limited personnel, have been ordered to leave to ensure the safety of American citizens both domestically and abroad.

President Donald Trump addressed the decision, warning that the region could become increasingly volatile. “We’ve given the order to withdraw staff and we’ll see what happens,” he said. Referring to Iran, Trump emphasized, “They cannot possess a nuclear weapon. It’s that simple.”

Diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program appear to have stalled, raising concerns in Washington. CBS News reported that Israeli forces are reportedly prepared to strike Iran, and the US fears potential retaliation against American sites in neighboring Iraq.

Al Jazeera’s Washington correspondent, Alan Fisher, highlighted intensified communication between US military leaders and the White House, pointing to the strategic nature of the evacuation. Fisher noted this is not unprecedented, referencing a previous withdrawal from the Baghdad embassy due to threats from Iran-backed militias.

There is growing speculation that the move could be aimed at pressuring Iran as negotiations falter. Meanwhile, Iran’s UN delegation stated that the country does not seek nuclear weapons and criticized US militarism for increasing regional instability. “Only diplomacy can resolve these issues, not military threats,” they said.

Iranian Defense Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh also expressed hope for positive negotiations but warned that any attack on Iran would be met with strong retaliation. “If war is forced on us, US bases in the region are within our reach, and we won’t hesitate to strike,” he asserted.

The sixth round of talks between the US and Iran, which aim to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions, is tentatively set to take place this weekend in Oman. US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to attend.