US Secretly Evacuates Middle East Diplomats Amid Iran Attack Fears

The United States is rapidly evacuating diplomats and their families from Middle Eastern posts due to escalating regional tensions and the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran. While an official evacuation order has been issued for non-essential personnel and families from Saudi Arabia, the U.S. administration is also covertly reducing staff at other embassies in the region, according to CNN. Concurrently, Israel is reportedly pressuring Washington to expedite potential strikes against Iran, though without success thus far.

Axios revealed that intelligence indicating Iran has significantly intensified efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East and beyond is a key factor behind the diplomatic presence reduction. A U.S. intelligence memo dated October 23rd, obtained by Axios, suggests Iranian plots to assassinate American figures have reached advanced stages. U.S. officials stated this intelligence is a primary reason for the State Department's decision to reduce personnel at several regional embassies.

The State Department had previously ordered families of diplomats and non-essential staff to leave the U.S. embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Similar directives were issued for embassies in the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan, citing threats from both Houthi attacks and Iranian plots. Adjustments to staffing are also underway at embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait, as the U.S. administration fears the Iran-backed Houthis could expand their attacks beyond Saudi Arabia.

Adding to the regional uncertainty, former President Donald Trump alluded to a potential U.S. operation against Iran, stating, "We may do a small 'Operation Epic Wrath' or the Iranians will agree to a deal." This comes amid reports that both U.S. and Israeli militaries have developed detailed plans for strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile sites, potentially following the U.S. midterm elections. However, no final decision has been made by the U.S. on launching an attack.

Israel has been advocating for preemptive strikes against Iran, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urging the Trump administration to act sooner rather than later, citing concerns over Iran's nuclear program. However, reports suggest Trump resisted acting before the U.S. midterms. Israeli military officials, however, have downplayed specific strike plans, stating that readiness measures were taken in response to U.S. alertness, not because an attack was imminent. A recent Israeli military exercise involving dozens of fighter jets near Iran's border, described as a deterrence measure, also raised concerns among U.S. officials about potential miscalculation.

Meanwhile, Iran is preparing for potential U.S.-Israeli strikes, reportedly updating its target bank to include data centers and undersea fiber optic cables, expanding potential targets beyond the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi, stated Iran's principle is "either security for all, or security for none," indicating a broader response strategy.