Washington's anticipation of Iranian retaliation against American sites in Iraq due to potential Israeli attacks prompts regional withdrawals, says CBS News
The US has evacuated personnel from locations in the Middle East as it expects reciprocal attacks between Israel and Iran, CBS News reported Wednesday, citing multiple sources.
US officials received information that Israel stands "fully ready to launch an operation into Iran," it said.
Washington believes that Iran could retaliate against American sites in neighboring Iraq following any Israeli strike, prompting the evacuation advisory, according to the news outlet.
The State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel from Iraq on Wednesday due to "heightened regional tensions."
"The Department of State requires US government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats," said the travel advisory.
Currently, the US has a level 4 travel advisory to Iraq, which corresponds to "do not travel."
"Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest and the U.S. government's limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq," says the State Department's advisory.
Despite escalating tensions, White House envoy Steve Witkoff plans to proceed with a sixth round of indirect Iran-US nuclear negotiations scheduled for Sunday in Oman, according to CBS.
US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that American personnel face evacuation because regional locations "could be a dangerous place."
"President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad," a State Department official told Anadolu. "Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce our mission in Iraq."
The extent of the evacuation, including whether it includes all US diplomatic staff, remains unclear.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh threatened to target US bases in the region if a conflict breaks out between the two countries over Tehran's nuclear program.
He warned that all US bases in the region are within the reach of Iranian missiles.
Iran will “target them in their host countries without hesitation,” he said.
His threat came a day after Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), testified before Congress, saying he presented a “range of options” to Trump to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
