US Begins Middle East Evacuation Amid Rising Iran Tensions

WASHINGTON- On Wednesday, Donald Trump confirmed the evacuation of US personnel from the Middle East. This decision stems from growing concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the increasingly volatile regional security climate.

Partial evacuation underway:

According to US and Iraqi sources, the US is preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and permitting the voluntary departure of military dependents across key Middle Eastern nations, including Bahrain and Kuwait. The decisions are made due to the heightened security threats. 

Trump told reporters, “They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens. We’ve given notice to move out.” The US advisory stated, “On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.”

Security risks push oil prices up:

The US move of evacuating personnel across the Middle East affected the global market. The move has increased the oil price upto 4%. Brent crude futures rose to $69.18 per barrel.

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Trump reiterated his hardline stance and said, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” Trump also voiced doubt about Iran’s willingness to cease uranium enrichment. In an interview, Trump said, “We are growing less confident Tehran will stop enriching uranium.”

Iran threatens retaliation:

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh made a strong remark on Trump’s ongoing pressure to stop enriching uranium. He said, “If Iran is subjected to strikes, it will retaliate by hitting US bases in the region.” Meanwhile, Iran’s UN mission posted on X, “Threats of ‘overwhelming force’ won’t change facts: Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon and US militarism only fuels instability.”

US military realignment:

The US has a strong military base in Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents, particularly those based in Bahrain. 

A US official said, “The State Department is set to have an ordered departure for [the] US embassy in Baghdad while the evacuation will be done commercially. The US military is standing by if help is requested.” However, the US embassy in Kuwait remains fully operational. There has been no change at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Regional impact and reactions:

Britain’s maritime agency warned ships navigating the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Straits of Hormuz that rising tensions could escalate military activity. It can impact naval safety. The UK’s Foreign Office said it was monitoring developments and would review its embassy operations in Iraq accordingly.

Iraq’s delicate position:

Iraq has a good relationship with both the US and Iran. It hosts almost 2,500 American troops. The Iraqi government claims it has not observed any security signals warranting evacuation. Though, internal tensions have been high since Israel’s October 2023 bombardment of Gaza.

Pro-Iranian armed factions within Iraq have repeatedly attacked US forces. These groups are reportedly integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus, which is complicating Baghdad’s position.

Nuclear talks loom:

Iran has rejected Washington’s recent offer. A new round of talks is expected soon. However, optimism remains low amid heightened military rhetoric. An Iranian official stressed and said, “Any military action against Iran, whether by the US or Israel, will have serious consequences.”

US Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla revealed that he had presented Trump with “a wide range of options” to deter a nuclear-armed Iran. Kurilla postponed a planned Congressional testimony due to the current security concerns in the Middle East.