WASHINGTON, June 12 (Alliance News): The United States is on high alert amid fears that Israel may launch a sudden attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to reports by the Washington Post and Times of Israel.
Heightened tensions have prompted the U.S. to reduce its diplomatic and military presence across the Middle East.
The Washington Post reported that U.S. intelligence officials fear Israel might act unilaterally, without American consent, risking a military confrontation that could trigger Iranian retaliation against U.S. assets in the region.
In response, the State Department has begun downsizing its missions, withdrawing non-essential staff from embassies in Bahrain, Kuwait, and now Iraq.
President Donald Trump expressed growing pessimism over reaching a diplomatic deal with Iran to limit its nuclear ambitions. “I’m not as optimistic as I was months ago,” he told the New York Post, citing stalled progress and rising tensions.
Officials in Tehran have warned that any Israeli aggression would hold the U.S. accountable, given Washington’s longstanding support for Israel.
This has intensified American concerns and led to emergency action committees being formed at embassies across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorized the partial evacuation of staff from Iraq. The Pentagon has also approved voluntary departures of military personnel’s families, especially from Bahrain — home to the largest U.S. military presence in the region.
President Trump confirmed the withdrawal measures, stating, “It can be a dangerous place. We’re ensuring Americans are safe at home and abroad.”
The developments come amid stalled nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, which were expected to resume in Oman later this week, but now appear unlikely to proceed.
General Michael Corella, head of U.S. Central Command, also canceled his scheduled testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee due to the crisis.
Meanwhile, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Oman to discuss Tehran’s response to the latest U.S. nuclear proposal.
