U.S. Begins Evacuation of Diplomats Amid Escalating Tensions with Iran
Baghdad : The United States has begun the evacuation of non-essential personnel from its diplomatic missions and military bases across the Middle East, amid soaring tensions with Iran and a deadlock in nuclear negotiations, officials from the State Department and Department of Defense confirmed on Wednesday.
The move primarily affects the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, where non-critical staff have been authorized to depart. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has also approved the voluntary departure of military dependents stationed at key regional outposts. Personnel at U.S. embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait are reportedly on standby for relocation.
President Donald Trump addressed the media, justifying the evacuation. “They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place,” he said. “We’ve given notice to move out and we’ll see what happens. Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simply, they can’t have a nuclear weapon — we’re not going to allow that.”
The decision comes as nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran appear to have stalled, increasing the likelihood of regional escalation. Iranian defense officials have warned that U.S. military assets in the region would be “legitimate targets” if diplomacy collapses and confrontation erupts.
Adding to the uncertainty, U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly indicate Israel is preparing for a potential strike on Iranian nuclear sites. While urging restraint, President Trump has asked Israel not to take unilateral military action as Washington continues to pursue diplomatic channels.
According to Reuters, the partial evacuation and related security alerts have already impacted global markets, with oil prices rising by more than 4% on the news. A U.S. official confirmed that similar voluntary departures had been approved for embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Late Wednesday, the State Department updated its global travel advisory, stating:
“On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.”
The situation underscores a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Iran relations, as key regional actors brace for potential conflict should diplomacy fail to deliver a resolution.
