Trump Orders Evacuation of US Personnel Amid Escalating Tensions with Iran
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that American personnel are being evacuated from locations across the Middle East due to rising tensions with Iran, warning that the region “could be a dangerous place.”
Speaking before attending a performance at the Kennedy Center, Trump told reporters that the move was a precautionary measure. “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.
The evacuation follows emergency security assessments and applies to nonessential staff, particularly in Iraq. A State Department official said the decision to reduce the mission there was based on “our latest analysis,” and emphasized Trump’s commitment to the safety of Americans abroad.
Trump reiterated his uncompromising stance on Iran’s nuclear program: “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. We’re not going to allow that.”
Meanwhile, tensions spiked further after Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh threatened US military bases in the region, saying they are “within reach” of Iranian missiles and will be “targeted in their host countries without hesitation” if conflict erupts. His warning came shortly after CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla testified that he had presented President Trump with a “range of options” to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The latest developments come just days ahead of a sixth round of nuclear talks scheduled in Oman on Sunday.
