Without warning and in a move that raised eyebrows across the region, the United States has begun evacuating some of its diplomatic missions in the Middle East, citing “security threats.” The sudden decision has reignited speculation over the looming possibility of a regional war, particularly as nuclear tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
Diplomatic Evacuations Sound the Alarm
According to Associated Press, U.S. officials revealed that the State Department is preparing to order the departure of all non-essential staff and their families from its embassies in Baghdad, Manama, and Kuwait due to potential security risks.
The Pentagon confirmed that U.S. Central Command is closely monitoring tensions across the Middle East. Officials emphasised that the safety of personnel and their families is a top priority, noting that coordination is ongoing with the State Department and regional allies to maintain readiness.
CNN also reported that the U.S. Departments of State and Defense have been actively facilitating the departure of non-essential personnel from the region.
Trump: Between Tough Talk and Visible Concern
Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the evacuation of American personnel, calling the region “dangerous” and reaffirming his stance that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
During a media appearance in Washington, Trump remarked, “They’re being moved because it could be a dangerous place.” When pressed by CBS on why military families were also being evacuated, he cryptically responded, “You’ll see.”
Despite his ambiguous tone, Trump asserted, “I’m more confident than ever that the U.S. military will achieve greater glory in the days ahead.”
Netanyahu: A Catalyst for Escalation?
The Washington Post, citing diplomatic sources, revealed that U.S. embassies and military bases across the Middle East have been placed on high alert amid fears of a possible Israeli strike against Iran.
A regional diplomat described the situation as “more dangerous than ever,” and U.S. intelligence officials are reportedly increasingly worried that Israel may act unilaterally against Iran without Washington’s approval.
A Tense Backdrop: Past Days Set the Stage
Looking back, failed nuclear negotiations and hardened positions have made diplomatic solutions appear increasingly unlikely. U.S. and Iranian officials have exchanged pessimistic rhetoric in recent weeks.
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- Trump repeated his threats against Iran, demanding it accept a deal that guarantees it cannot develop weapons of mass destruction.
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- In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump admitted the difficulty of negotiations but rejected any immediate strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to Israel Hayom.
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- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian countered firmly, stating that Iran would not yield to American arrogance, especially regarding its nuclear program.
Pezeshkian declared:
“We will never accept the dismantling of our nuclear research. Who gave them the right to demand permission for our scientific work? Who are they to decide whether we develop nuclear technology for our industry, medicine, and agriculture?”
Iran’s Strategy: Between Diplomacy and Deterrence
A Tactical Posture
Iran’s UN mission responded bluntly, saying that U.S. Central Command lacks any credibility to speak of peace or non-proliferation, as it has armed aggressors and empowered Israeli crimes.
The mission reiterated that Iran has no intention to develop nuclear weapons and warned that U.S. militarisation only fuels instability.
An Iranian official downplayed recent American moves, suggesting they were merely psychological pressure rather than real action.
The Response Is Ready
According to The New York Times, Iranian military leaders recently met to prepare for the possibility of an Israeli strike. The plan reportedly involves an immediate counterattack using hundreds of ballistic missiles aimed directly at Israel.
Iran’s Defense Minister, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, was even more explicit:
“If war is forced upon us, the enemy’s losses will far exceed ours. All U.S. bases in the region are within our range. We will strike without hesitation.”
Iran’s Intelligence Strike: Unprecedented
Iran recently announced that it had obtained thousands of sensitive documents from Israeli nuclear facilities — a revelation delayed to ensure secure transfer to Tehran.
Iranian intelligence claimed it had carried out “the largest intelligence operation in history against Israel,” acquiring highly sensitive data and imagery. Reviewing the full material would take extensive time, showcasing the depth and sophistication of the operation.
Commander Hossein Salami of the IRGC noted:
“Our Ministry of Intelligence acquired detailed military and nuclear data from Israel. This intelligence will make our missiles even more precise — a devastating blow to the myth of Israeli intelligence superiority.”
Is the Clock Ticking?
Political analyst Dr. Liqaa Makki believes that the countdown to war has already begun, and only a major breakthrough in nuclear talks — involving substantial Iranian concessions on uranium enrichment — could prevent it.
He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“The exposure of the so-called Project Quyar at this sensitive time leaves little hope for a diplomatic breakthrough without serious Iranian compromise.”
Simultaneously, The Times of London reported that Iran has supplied advanced weapons — including Quds-351 cruise missiles and Jamal-69 ballistic missiles — to its allies in Iraq in preparation for a possible Israeli attack. These short-range missiles complement Iran’s broader regional deterrent.
Strengthening the Axis
According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran has also sought thousands of tons of missile components from China, including ammonium perchlorate — a key oxidiser in solid rocket fuel. This stockpile could produce up to 800 ballistic missiles, expanding Iran’s capability and that of its regional allies like the Houthis and Iraqi factions.
Round Five: On the Brink
The latest round of nuclear negotiations in Rome nearly collapsed. According to Al-Jarida (Kuwait), a major rift developed between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and the Iranian delegation.
Witkoff reportedly warned that talks would be meaningless unless Iran agreed to stop uranium enrichment on its own soil. He even suggested that the U.S. could resolve the issue by force, destroying Iran’s nuclear infrastructure — especially if Israel loses patience and acts independently.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, responded by handing over detailed maps of Israel’s nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons facilities, reportedly provided by Iranian intelligence. He warned that any strike on Iran’s nuclear plants would result in direct retaliation against Israel’s covert weapons infrastructure.
Araghchi made it clear that Iran does not want war, but will not hesitate to defend itself — especially if Netanyahu’s provocations continue.
Is There Still Room for Diplomacy?
Despite mixed signals, Reuters confirmed that a sixth round of U.S.–Iran talks will take place. U.S. envoy Witkoff is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat.
In a rare diplomatic proposal, Iran suggested the creation of a regional uranium enrichment consortium, potentially based in Iran or another regional state, under IAEA supervision.
This proposal forms the core of Iran’s response to the latest U.S. offer, received through Oman ahead of Eid al-Adha. The plan would allow Iran to gradually reduce enrichment levels, while maintaining the right to resume them if energy demands are unmet.
Importantly, Iran insists that no single country should dominate the consortium, and that uranium production be strictly for peaceful purposes.
