President cites safety concerns as diplomatic staff withdraw from region within Iranian striking distance
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that American personnel are being evacuated from locations in the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran because "it could be a dangerous place."
Speaking to reporters before attending the opening night of the award-winning musical Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center, Trump acknowledged the withdrawal while maintaining his firm stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions.
"Well, they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place. We'll see what happens. We've given notice to move out," he said when asked about reports of personnel relocations.
Pressed about reducing regional tensions, he reiterated his position on Iran's nuclear program.
"They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that," he said.
The State Department on Wednesday authorized the departure of nonessential personnel from Iraq following emergency assessments at embassies within striking distance of Iranian assets across the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Northern Africa, according to The Washington Post.
US intelligence officials are increasingly concerned about potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities without Washington's consent, the newspaper wrote.
"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 official said.
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.
The tensions are occurring as a sixth round of nuclear negotiations approaches Sunday in Oman.
