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The United States is on high alert over concerns that Israel might launch a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, The Washington Post reported.
The Trump administration is concerned that Israel could target Iran’s nuclear sites without US approval if nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran break down.
Amid these fears, heightened tensions have emerged as hopes fade for President Trump to reach a deal with Tehran to limit Iran’s nuclear programme and prevent another major conflict in the Middle East following the Israel-Hamas war.
Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
“They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
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West Asia is ‘a dangerous place’: Trump
Speaking at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday evening, President Trump said: “They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens. We’ve given notice to move out, and we’ll see what happens.”
US pulling non-essential personnels
According to reports, the US is also planning a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and will allow families of military personnel to leave certain locations in the Middle East due to heightened security threats, Reuters reported, citing US and Iraqi sources.
The State Department said it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel from the US Embassy in Baghdad following its latest review and a commitment “to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad.” The embassy was already operating with limited staff, so the order will not affect a large number of personnel.
Meanwhile, Israel has informed the US that it is fully prepared to launch a strike on Iran, CBS News reported, citing several American officials.
Iran’s warning
Iran has repeatedly warned that the United States, as Israel’s main military and political supporter, would face consequences if Israel attacks Iran.
On Wednesday, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said that if Iran is targeted, it will retaliate by striking US bases in the region.