Thu Jun 12 02:14:04 UTC 2025: **US Partially Evacuates Middle East Embassy Amid Rising Tensions with Iran**
WASHINGTON – The United States is initiating a partial evacuation of its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, and allowing voluntary departures for military dependents from locations across the Middle East, citing heightened security risks. The decision comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, fueled by stalled nuclear talks with Iran and fears of potential military action.
President Trump addressed the situation on Wednesday, stating that US personnel were being moved due to the potential dangers in the region and reiterating that the United States would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. “They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump told reporters. “We’ve given notice to move out.”
While the specific security risks prompting the evacuation remain undisclosed, reports of the potential withdrawal sent oil prices soaring by over 4%. The State Department has also authorized voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait.
The move comes at a volatile time. Trump’s administration has struggled to revive the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, and US intelligence suggests Israel is preparing for a potential strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has warned it would retaliate against US bases in the region if attacked.
Despite the evacuations, the US embassy in Kuwait affirmed it remains fully operational. The United States maintains a significant military presence throughout the Middle East, with bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
The situation has drawn international attention, with Britain’s maritime agency issuing warnings to ships traveling through the Gulf and surrounding waters. Iraq, a regional partner of both the US and Iran, hosts 2,500 US troops, further complicating the dynamics.
The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US is expected soon, with Iran preparing a counterproposal. A senior Iranian official stated that the US military presence and threats were part of the negotiation tactics with Iran.
The Iranian mission to the UN posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Threats of ‘overwhelming force’ won’t change facts: Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon and US militarism only fuels instability.”
First Piper 