Washington, DC [US]: US President Donald Trump, during a visit to the Kennedy Center for a performance of Les Miserables, stated that the United States is relocating some of its military personnel from parts of the Middle East, citing rising risks and the potential for perilous situations in the region.
“They (US military 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,” Trump told reporters.
Reaffirming Washington’s long-standing position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, President Trump asserted, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. We’re not going to allow that.”
These remarks came amid growing tensions between the US and Iran following the breakdown of nuclear negotiations. According to a report by The Times of Israel, the US State Department and the military have begun reducing their presence of non-essential staff and dependents across the Middle East to avoid risks arising from regional instability.
A State Department official explained that, as part of a regular assessment to ensure the safety of Americans abroad, the decision was made to scale down personnel at the US Mission in Iraq. Similar voluntary departure options were authorised for family members and non-essential staff in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Additionally, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the optional evacuation of military dependents stationed in multiple Middle Eastern countries, particularly those in Bahrain — the primary hub for such personnel.
The regional atmosphere remains tense as nuclear negotiations with Iran falter, and Tehran signals both defiance and caution. Iran’s Defence Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh, while expressing hope for productive dialogue, warned that Tehran is prepared to retaliate against American bases if provoked.
As uncertainty looms, the Pentagon remains on alert, balancing diplomatic efforts with military preparedness in an increasingly volatile region.