The United States has heightened its security posture across several regions amid escalating fears of a possible Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to reports from US media.
Officials have raised concerns that Israel may launch an attack without notifying Washington, particularly if diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran to revive a nuclear agreement collapse. The development has prompted the US government to begin relocating personnel from areas deemed high-risk, especially in the Middle East.
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, confirmed the move, stating, “They [US personnel] are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we will see what happens… We have given notice to move out.”
The US State Department has approved the departure of some diplomatic staff from Iraq, while the Pentagon has authorised voluntary departures for military families stationed across American bases in the region. The directive is part of a broader contingency plan amid rising tensions following the recent Israel-Hamas conflict and the apparent breakdown in US-Iran nuclear negotiations.
As speculation grows around Israel’s intentions, Trump reaffirmed his firm stance against Iran’s nuclear development. “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 when asked if diplomacy was still viable.
Reports from Axios last month indicated that Israel was preparing for a rapid, unilateral strike on Iran if talks with Washington failed. Trump has previously threatened military action should Iran continue uranium enrichment, a key point of contention in the stalled negotiations.
In an interview with the New York Post on Wednesday, the president admitted he was becoming “less confident” about Iran’s willingness to halt its nuclear activities.
US intelligence officials have reportedly expressed growing concern that Tel Aviv may proceed independently, triggering a broader conflict. Iran has warned that any Israeli military action would implicate the US directly, given its close alliance with Israel.
On Thursday, Iran posted a defiant message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We are Ready.” Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh further cautioned that Iran would retaliate against US bases in the region if attacked.
In preparation for potential fallout, US embassies located within Iran’s missile range, including missions in the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, have been ordered to activate emergency action committees. These embassies have been instructed to review and report back on security protocols.
The US State Department has also authorised voluntary departures from missions in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Updating the global travel advisory, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Wednesday, “On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.”
