Washington Prepares Embassy Evacuations in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain Amid Security Threats

The United States is preparing to evacuate personnel from its embassy in Baghdad due to “increased security risks in the region,” according to American and Iraqi security sources cited by Reuters and AP. The move comes amid heightened tensions with Iran and stalled nuclear negotiations, which have prompted Israel to accelerate preparations for a possible military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities.

A US official confirmed the State Department is prepared to issue an evacuation order for the Baghdad embassy, ideally using commercial flights. However, military assets are on standby should emergency assistance be required. Additional directives have already been issued for the removal of non-essential staff and family members from US embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait.

In parallel, the Pentagon has authorized the voluntary departure of family members of US military personnel stationed across the Middle East. “CENTCOM is coordinating with the State Department and regional partners to ensure readiness,” said a defense source, clarifying that operations at key military installations, such as Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, remain unchanged for now.

Earlier today, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Iran would retaliate by targeting US bases in the region if nuclear negotiations collapse. President Donald Trump echoed his long-standing position, saying he’s “losing hope” in Tehran’s willingness to halt uranium enrichment.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a separate advisory to commercial vessels, warning of the risk of military escalation in regional hotspots including the Port of Hudaydah in Yemen, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.