US evacuates embassy staff from Middle East over Iran tensions

The United States has ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic personnel from the Middle East amid escalating threats from Iran.

President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, that embassy staff and military dependents are being moved out of volatile regions.

He declared that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, warning that “it could be a dangerous place.”

The US decision, Reuters reported, comes amid fears of possible Iranian retaliation or Israeli military action on nuclear facilities.

Sources in Washington and Baghdad confirmed the State Department’s approval of voluntary departures from posts in Kuwait and Bahrain.

A partial evacuation of the embassy in Baghdad is also underway, with US military on standby for potential assistance.

The State Department updated its travel advisory to reflect “heightened regional tensions” and increasing security risks.

The move follows multiple warnings from US intelligence that Israel might strike Iranian nuclear sites in the coming weeks.

Trump’s administration has repeatedly stated it would act decisively if Iran escalates uranium enrichment or arms development.

The US has also accused Iran of backing militant factions in Iraq, heightening risks for American personnel stationed there.

Oil prices surged more than 4% following news of the evacuation and renewed threats of regional conflict.

Brent crude jumped to $69.18 per barrel, reflecting market fears of disrupted supply routes in the oil-rich Gulf region.

British authorities also issued warnings to commercial shipping in the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz.

Iran, bordered by these strategic waterways, has long been accused of harassing maritime vessels and destabilizing regional trade.

Iran’s Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh responded with threats to strike US bases if attacked.

He declared that any military aggression would be met with overwhelming retaliation, targeting American assets in the region.

Despite these threats, the US Embassy in Kuwait announced it remains fully operational with no staffing changes.

In Qatar, operations at the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US facility in the region, also remain unchanged.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized family members of military personnel in the region to leave voluntarily.

A senior US official confirmed that most dependents were based in Bahrain, where troop concentration is highest.

The embassy in Baghdad will use commercial flights for evacuations, but military support is ready if needed.

Iraqi officials claim they have seen no credible threats justifying the American withdrawal.

Nevertheless, Iraq has seen intensified tensions since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023.

Tehran-backed groups have repeatedly launched attacks on US troops, though incidents declined over the past year.

In 2024, Israel and Iran exchanged fire directly for the first time, with drones and missiles crossing Iraqi airspace.

Israel has also targeted Iran-backed militias operating in both Iraq and Syria in recent months.

US regional allies fear renewed clashes could spiral into a broader war destabilizing the Middle East.

The Pentagon recently deployed B-2 bombers and extended the presence of a second aircraft carrier in the region.

Though these assets have since returned, preparations for renewed escalation remain active.

New rounds of nuclear negotiations are expected soon, though Iran previously rejected Washington’s proposals.

Iran’s envoy to the UN insisted it is not seeking nuclear weapons and accused the US of fueling instability.

US Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla reportedly offered military options to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.

He postponed testimony before Congress due to the tense security landscape in the Middle East.

The global community now braces for what may become a decisive standoff between the US, Iran, and Israel.

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