Washington: In view of the stalled nuclear talks and escalating tensions with Iran, the White House has decided to withdraw some of its personnel from certain Middle Eastern countries.
US President Donald Trump stated that the decision was taken as a precaution, describing the region as potentially “dangerous.”
When asked if the US plans to pull its troops out of the Middle East, Trump told the media, “We are removing our people from there because the area could be dangerous. We will see what happens next. We have given notice to withdraw.”
On whether any steps would be taken to ease the tensions, President Trump reiterated his firm stance on Iran’s nuclear programme.
He said, “They should not have nuclear weapons. It is very straightforward. We will not allow them to make nuclear weapons.”
This statement came following reports that the US is preparing to partially evacuate its embassy in Iraq.
The US State Department said on Wednesday, “Based on our recent assessments, we have decided to reduce our mission presence in Iraq.”
The statement added, “We continuously review the status of personnel at all our embassies.”
On the same day, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorised the families of US troops stationed in the Middle East to return voluntarily. The exact security concerns prompting the withdrawal of personnel from Iraq remain unclear.
Adding to the tension, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton said on Thursday that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Iran is actively attempting to develop nuclear weapons. This statement comes amid the prolonged halt in negotiations to revive the nuclear agreement between the US and Iran.
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