ANI
12 Jun 2025, 08:03 GMT+10
Washington DC [US], June 12 (ANI): The US is withdrawing the presence of people who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East due to the potential for regional unrest, the US State Department and military said on Wednesday as tensions with neighboring Iran rose amid deteriorating nuclear talks, as per The Times of Israel.
'President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq,' a State Department official told The Times of Israel.
The department also authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait, giving them an option on whether to leave the country, as per The Times of Israel.
In addition, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East, a US official said. Another US official said that it was mostly relevant to family members located in Bahrain -- where the bulk of them are based.
Tensions in the region have been rising in recent days as talks between the US and Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program appear to have hit an impasse.
In light of mounting friction, Michael Kurilla, who directs American forces in the Middle East as the head of US Central Command, postponed his testimony before US lawmakers he was set to give on Thursday, according to two officials, as per The Times of Israel.
Iran's mission to the UN posted on social media that 'threats of overwhelming force won't change the facts.'
'Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability,' the Iranian mission wrote.
Iranian Defence Minister Gen Aziz Nasirzadeh told journalists Wednesday that he hoped talks with the US would yield results, though Tehran stood ready to respond with strikes on American bases in the region, Times of Israel reported. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Iran Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Iran Herald.
More InformationNEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks closed modestly lower Wednesday despite a tentative trade agreement between the United States and...
Throughout human history, zoonotic diseases, illnesses that jump from animals to humans, have shaped civilizations, triggered pandemics,...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A boom in U.S. solar energy installations may be running out of steam as shifting federal priorities, new tariffs,...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Oil prices remained steady on June 9 as investors looked ahead to the outcome of the U.S.-China trade talks...
CHANDRAPUR/SOLAPUR (India): As India doubles down on coal to fuel its growing energy needs, an invisible crisis is surfacing: the country...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets rose Tuesday as investors and traders anticipated a positive outcome from ongoing trade talks...
WEST JERUSALEM, Israel: Israeli forces stopped a boat heading to Gaza and detained Greta Thunberg and other activists on board early...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Oil prices remained steady on June 9 as investors looked ahead to the outcome of the U.S.-China trade talks...
The Israeli Navy has intercepted a ship carrying humanitarian aid and a number of activists including Greta Thunberg, Rima Hassan,...
THE HAGUE - The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned the United States for imposing sanctions on four of its judges,...
Washington DC [US], June 12 (ANI): Israel is fully ready to launch an operation into Iran, US officials have been told, multiple sources...
Washington DC [US], June 12 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday while attending a performance of Les Miserables at the Kennedy...