Israel has reportedly informed US officials that it is fully prepared to launch a military operation against Iran, multiple sources told CBS News, intensifying concerns over the region’s rapidly deteriorating security situation.
The United States, anticipating potential Iranian retaliation, particularly against American interests in neighboring Iraq, has taken precautionary measures. The State Department on Wednesday ordered the evacuation of non-essential government personnel from Iraq, citing “heightened regional tensions.”
The advisory also extends to Bahrain and Kuwait, where the US has authorized the voluntary departure of non-essential staff and their families due to rising threats linked to the stalled nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Despite the escalating situation, US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is still expected to engage in a sixth round of nuclear talks with Iranian officials in the coming days, though previous rounds have failed to yield progress.
Speaking at the Kennedy Center on Thursday, President Trump reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. We’re not going to allow that,” he stated. Trump also confirmed that US military personnel are being repositioned in the region due to security risks.
“We have given notice to move out [from certain Middle Eastern countries] because it could be a dangerous place… and we will see what happens,” he added.
Tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States have escalated sharply amid the collapse of nuclear negotiations and increasing fears that a military confrontation could erupt. Israel’s reported readiness to strike Iran marks a significant escalation in rhetoric and potential action, with the region bracing for possible fallout.
