US removes embassy staff from Middle East amid escalating tensions

US removes embassy staff from Middle East amid escalating tensions
US removes embassy staff from Middle East amid escalating tensions

The US State and Defense departments on Wednesday made efforts to arrange the departure of non-essential personnel from locations around the Middle East.

According to CNN, it is not clear what is causing the sudden change in posture, but a defense official said US Central Command is monitoring “developing tension in the Middle East.”

“They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens. But they have been or we’ve given notice to move out, and we’ll see what happens,” President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday upon arriving at a Kennedy Center event.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East, according to the official.

“The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East,” the official said. Gen. Michael Kurilla, the CENTCOM commander, postponed testimony he was due to give in front of a Senate committee on Thursday due to the tensions, a defense official said.

While the reasons for the heightened security concerns in the region are not clear, the planned departures come as tensions involving Iran and Israel have recently escalated as the Trump administration continues to pursue a new nuclear deal with Iran.

Related
Read more : World

UK braces for heavy rain after record-breaking heat

UK braces for heavy rain after record-breaking heat
An amber heat health alert is still active for areas like the Midlands, southern and eastern England

5 must-read books for students to gain clarity and confidence

5 must-read books for students to gain clarity and confidence
Here are 5 best books that can be very helpful in teaching you how to manage your life and make the right choices

Hungary's oldest library battles beetle menace, centuries-old books at risk

Hungary's oldest library battles beetle menace, centuries-old books at risk
1,000-year-old Pannonhalma Archabbey fights to preserve centuries-old books from beetle menace

Kim Jong-un pledges ‘unconditional’ support for Russia in Ukraine war

Kim Jong-un pledges ‘unconditional’ support for Russia in Ukraine war
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meets Kim Jong Un in North Korea, strengthens ties

Rosie O'Donnell fires back at Donald Trump after citizenship threat

Rosie O'Donnell fires back at Donald Trump after citizenship threat
Donald Trump reignites decades-long feud with Rosie O'Donnell, calls her ‘threat to humanity

Top 15 most popular Asian cities to explore in 2025

Top 15 most popular Asian cities to explore in 2025
Asia is the largest and most populated continent and it is home to a wide variety of cities each with its own unique charm

Spain flood triggers emergency response as over 300 children evacuated from camps

Spain flood triggers emergency response as over 300 children evacuated from camps
The sudden and intense storm caused chaos with some places receiving five inches of rain in just one hour

Waddle-on-Sea penguin trail brings dozens of colourful sculptures to Southend

Waddle-on-Sea penguin trail brings dozens of colourful sculptures to Southend
Big penguin statues were sponsored by local business and then artists painted them with creative designs