U.S. Orders Evacuation of Non-Essential Personnel from Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait Amid Iran Tensions

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The United States has ordered the evacuation of non-essential diplomatic personnel from Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait amid rising fears of a regional military escalation over Iran’s advancing nuclear program and threats against U.S. forces.

U.S. Embassy staff in Baghdad were informed Wednesday of a mandatory departure order for non-critical staff, while the State Department also authorized voluntary departures for diplomats and military families in Bahrain and Kuwait. The Pentagon is reportedly on standby to assist with any necessary evacuation, signaling a sharp rise in concern over regional instability.

The Baghdad embassy has been operating with reduced staffing since earlier periods of unrest, but the new directive highlights fresh concerns about imminent threats tied to Iran’s hostile rhetoric and stalled nuclear talks.

An Iraqi security source confirmed to Reuters that embassy evacuation preparations were underway. The Associated Press reported that dependents of U.S. military personnel stationed across the region have also been given the option to leave voluntarily.

This comes as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have stalled, prompting fears that the situation could spiral into open conflict. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors is expected to vote this week on a resolution censuring Iran for its lack of cooperation—an action that could trigger a snapback of U.N. sanctions under the 2015 nuclear deal framework.

Iran responded defiantly. Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh declared Wednesday that while Tehran still favors diplomacy, it is fully prepared for war. “If conflict is imposed on us, the opponent’s casualties will certainly be more than ours,” he said. “America must leave the region because all its bases are within our reach.”

Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a separate statement rejecting U.S. threats, saying, “Threats of overwhelming force won’t change the facts. Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and U.S. militarism only fuels instability.”

In a rare move, the United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a maritime security advisory, warning ships traveling through the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz to exercise extreme caution amid rising military tensions. The area, which handles a significant portion of global oil shipments, has been a hotspot for past maritime confrontations with Iran.

Meanwhile, in Israel, speculation is growing that a unilateral preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure could be imminent. Yaakov Bardugo, a media personality closely aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told Israeli radio: “In my view, we are very close to striking Iran. The Americans aren’t delivering results.”

President Donald Trump also expressed growing doubt about the success of nuclear negotiations. In a podcast interview Tuesday, Trump admitted, “I did think so, and I’m getting more and more—less confident about it.” He reiterated that while war is not the preferred option, “we will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.”

Outgoing CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla told Congress this week that military options have already been submitted to President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “We are prepared to act,” Kurilla said, adding that any independent Israeli action could increase risk to U.S. forces in the region.

As diplomatic options dwindle and military preparations intensify, the Gulf region appears to be teetering on the brink of conflict—raising fears for U.S. personnel and threatening the stability of vital global energy and trade routes.

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