Trump pulls out US personnel from Middle East

(MENAFN) President Donald Trump has confirmed that American personnel are being pulled out of various locations in the Middle East due to growing instability tied to tensions with Iran. He described the region as potentially hazardous and explained the decision as a precautionary measure.

"Well, they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place. We'll see what happens. We've given notice to move out," Trump told reporters before attending an event at the Kennedy Center.

While acknowledging the evacuation, the president maintained his hardline approach toward Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that,” he said, doubling down on a long-standing US policy position.

According to reports, the US State Department authorized the departure of nonessential staff from its embassy in Iraq following security evaluations. The decision is part of a broader response to rising fears that American assets and personnel may be exposed to risk due to escalating tensions in the region.

These concerns reportedly stem from the potential for unilateral Israeli military action targeting Iranian nuclear facilities—possibly conducted without direct US approval. Intelligence agencies have flagged this as a growing threat, especially as regional dynamics become increasingly volatile.

A State Department official commented that “President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad,” reinforcing the administration's justification for the move.

The developments mark a new phase of caution in Washington’s Middle East policy, with growing fears of conflict prompting heightened alert and preventive action.

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