U.S. evacuating personnel from the Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran

The U.S. is evacuating nonessential staff from its Baghdad embassy and family members of military personnel from several bases in the Gulf amid growing concerns about the security situation, per two State Department and Pentagon officials. Why it matters: The unusual steps are taking place ahead of a crucial round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran and amid threats made by Tehran to launch missiles against American military bases in the region in retaliation for any attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.Israeli officials said the IDF has been on high alert in recent days for possible escalation with Iran. The evacuations were announced three days after President Trump held a meeting on Iran with his top national security team at Camp David. The latest: Trump told reporters at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday that U.S. personnel in the Middle East were being moved out. "It could be a dangerous place, we'll see what happens," he said. When asked what could bring tensions down, Trump stressed: "Iran can not have a nuclear weapon, we won't allow it."Driving the news: On Wednesday, the U.K. government's maritime trade operations division issued a warning to mariners about "increased tensions" in the Middle East "which could lead to an escalation of military activity." "Vessels are advised to transit the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz with caution and are to report incidents or suspicious activity," the statement said. Several hours later, the U.S. embassy in Baghdad started preparing for an evacuation of non-essential staff. Between the lines: Trump set a two-month deadline for a deal with Iran that expires this week. He has long warned the alternative to a deal would be conflict, and Israel has been preparing to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in the event that talks fail.For now, Trump has continued to say he would prefer a deal and believes he can get one. Iran's mission to the UN said Wednesday that diplomacy is "the only path forward" and that "threats of 'overwhelming force' won't change facts: Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and U.S. militarism only fuels instability."What we're watching: A U.S. official said White House envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat on Sunday and discuss Tehran's response to the recent U.S. proposal.The intrigue: Iran still hasn't provided its response to the U.S. nuclear deal proposal, and it's becoming increasingly unlikely that the sixth round of talks will take place on Sunday in Oman as planned, a U.S. official told Axios.On Thursday the IAEA board of governors is expected to vote on a resolution condemning Iran for non-compliance with its nuclear obligations. Iran has threatened to take measures to escalate its nuclear program in retaliation.What they're saying: Witkoff said in a speech in New York on Wednesday that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the regional tensions ."A nuclear Iran poses an existential threat to Israel — and it is also an existential threat to the United States," Witkoff said. "We must stand together resolutely so that Iran does not go nuclear — no matter what the cost to prevent it."A State Department official said that based on the latest security analysis, a decision was made "to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq."White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told Axios that the evacuation of personnel from the Baghdad embassy was a result of the State Department's recent security review regarding U.S. personnel abroad.At the same time, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the "voluntary departure" of military families from several U.S. bases in the Middle East due to the security situation, a Pentagon official said. "The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East," the official said.A White House official said Trump "is aware" of these measures but did not offer further clarification. Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from President Trump.

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