The United States is stepping up security measures across the Middle East as fears grow that Israel might launch a surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. This development comes amid stalled diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran.
According to The Washington Post, American intelligence agencies are concerned that Israel could carry out a strike without first informing the U.S., possibly provoking retaliation from Iran and placing American troops and facilities at risk.
President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Wednesday, confirming that the U.S. has started moving personnel out of the region, with a focus on Iran. He described the situation as potentially dangerous and stressed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. State Department has approved the departure of some staff from Iraq and authorized voluntary exits for military families based in the region. Embassies across the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe have been told to set up emergency action committees and report on safety measures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing for a fast military response if nuclear talks with Iran collapse. Sources quoted by Axios suggest he is waiting for a signal, possibly when President Trump becomes disillusioned with the negotiation process.
Trump has warned Iran several times that continuing uranium enrichment could lead to military action. In a recent interview with The New York Post, he admitted that his confidence in Iran agreeing to U.S. terms is fading.
Iran has responded with strong warnings of its own. Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh declared that any Israeli strike would prompt retaliatory attacks on U.S. military bases, citing America’s ongoing support for Israel.
In response, the State Department updated its global travel advisory on June 11 and ordered the departure of non-essential U.S. personnel due to rising regional tensions. U.S. bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates remain on high alert.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the measures, emphasizing the need to protect American lives amid escalating instability.
