Washington: President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will begin pulling some military personnel out of the Middle East, citing escalating tensions with Iran and regional instability. “It could be a dangerous place,” Trump said, emphasizing that the U.S. would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
The partial withdrawal includes plans to evacuate non-emergency government staff from several U.S. embassies, particularly in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The State Department updated its global travel advisory to reflect the move, which follows concerns about possible Iranian retaliation should diplomacy collapse or Israel launch a strike against Iran’s nuclear sites.
According to multiple U.S. and Iraqi sources, preparations are underway for a partial evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, with commercial transportation preferred but military assistance on standby. Despite this, the U.S. embassies in Kuwait and Qatar reported normal operations, and no official evacuation order had been issued in those locations.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents stationed across the region, particularly in Bahrain, which houses a significant portion of American military families. The U.S. maintains a broad presence in the oil-rich region, including bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE.
The announcement comes amid reports that nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran have stalled. Trump has repeatedly warned that military action remains on the table if Iran refuses to halt uranium enrichment. Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a stern warning on Wednesday, stating that Iran would retaliate by targeting U.S. bases if attacked.
Tensions have been simmering in Iraq, where 2,500 U.S. troops remain. Though violence has decreased since last year, Iran-backed groups have previously targeted American personnel. The conflict in Gaza, along with past missile and drone exchanges between Iran and Israel over Iraqi airspace, has only added to the volatility.
Markets reacted swiftly to news of the Baghdad evacuation, with Brent crude jumping over $3 to reach $69.18 per barrel. Britain’s maritime agency and foreign office also issued advisories, warning of potential disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.
Adding to the uncertainty, U.S. Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, head of Central Command, postponed scheduled testimony before Congress. Officials say he had briefed President Trump on multiple military strategies to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations responded via social media, rejecting claims of nuclear ambitions and blaming U.S. militarism for regional instability. As both sides brace for the next round of nuclear talks, the atmosphere remains tense, and the risk of escalation looms large.
