News Desk: The United States is scaling back its diplomatic and military presence across the Middle East as tensions escalate over a potential Israeli strike on Iran, according to U.S. officials.

The State Department has authorized the evacuation of nonessential personnel from Iraq, while the Pentagon has approved the voluntary departure of military family members from bases in the region. The moves come amid heightened concerns that Israel could launch an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities—a move that could trigger a broader conflict and endanger American interests.

Diplomatic and Military Precautions

– Embassies on High Alert: U.S. diplomatic missions in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa have been instructed to convene emergency committees and assess security risks.
– Iraq Drawdown: The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has been ordered to reduce its staff, citing security threats.
– Military Families Allowed to Leave: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the voluntary departure of dependents from U.S. bases in the region.

Trump Expresses Doubts on Iran Deal

President Donald Trump told the New York Post that prospects for a nuclear deal with Iran have dimmed.

“I’m less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago,”

Trump said.

“Something happened to them, but I am much less confident of a deal being made.”

U.S. intelligence officials warn that an Israeli strike on Iran could derail diplomatic efforts and provoke retaliatory attacks on American forces and assets. Tehran has long warned that the U.S. would face consequences if Israel takes military action.

Risk of Wider Conflict

A unilateral Israeli strike could ignite a regional war, with Iran likely targeting U.S. military bases, diplomatic posts, and allied nations. The Pentagon and State Department are coordinating closely with allies to maintain readiness for potential crises.

“We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies,”

a State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq.”

Background: Rising Tensions

– Iran has expanded its nuclear program in recent years, raising alarms in Israel and the West.
– Israel has repeatedly signaled it may act alone to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
– The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in the region, including in Iraq, Syria, and Gulf states.

As the situation develops, the Biden administration faces the challenge of balancing support for Israel while preventing a catastrophic regional escalation.

Source: Washington Post