Rising tensions between Israel and Iran have led the United States to pull its diplomats out of the region, as fears grow that Israel may soon attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. The situation is made even more difficult by ongoing talks between the US and Iran about Iran’s nuclear program, though these negotiations appear to have stalled.
According to reports from NY Times, Israel is getting ready for a possible strike on Iran. This comes after months of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushing President Trump to take advantage of what Israel sees as a weaker position for Iran.
The US response to the growing threat has included pulling diplomats out of Iraq and allowing military families in the Middle East to leave if they choose. This move, along with a British warning about increased military risks in the region, shows how serious the threat is seen to be. The State Department did not give exact numbers on how many people were withdrawn from Iraq.
Israel may soon attack Iran
The pullout mostly affected non-essential staff and the families of diplomats based in Bahrain and Kuwait, where the US has major military resources. Iran’s nuclear program has made major progress, getting close to producing enough material for several nuclear weapons, though actually building a working weapon would take more time. However, recent fighting has badly hurt Iranian-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and Israel believes this creates a short opportunity to act.
President Trump’s reaction to the situation has been surprisingly quiet. While he previously warned Israel against striking Iran, saying talks with Iran were still happening, he has since shown less confidence that these talks will succeed.
He also confirmed that he turned down Netanyahu’s earlier requests for military action against Iran’s nuclear sites. When recently asked about the US pulling diplomats out, Trump gave a dismissive reply: “Well, you’re going to have to figure that one out yourself.” This is a lot like when Trump brushed off Gaza.
Intelligence Alert
Israel likely will strike Iran 12-24 hr window, aiming to reduce nuclear risk. Non-essential US personnel is being evacuated from Middle East.
Risk of escalation, crossing nuclear threshold is moderate. Regional + domestic US instability highly likely.pic.twitter.com/BKkoM2w5bt
— Rebekah Koffler (@rebekah0132) June 12, 2025
These negotiations, which Oman is helping to mediate, are meant to limit Iran’s nuclear program. But the two sides still disagree over Iran’s ability to enrich uranium, with Trump publicly demanding a full stop to enrichment—something Iran is unlikely to agree to. A meeting between US and Iranian negotiators was planned, but Trump called Iran’s position unacceptable.
Iran, meanwhile, has prepared a response that could include firing ballistic missiles at Israel. A past large-scale missile attack by Iran caused little damage, partly because the US helped intercept the missiles. Iranian officials have also warned of serious consequences for the US if conflict breaks out, suggesting possible attacks on US military bases in the region.
