Trump goes back on Gulf pledges, withdraws staff over ‘dangerous’ Gulf region
text_fields
The recent statements and decisions, including the evacuation of non-essential diplomatic personnel from the Middle East—a move that hints at a possible failure of the nuclear deal with Iran, who, in response to the US President’s threat to attack its nuclear facilities, warned of retaliatory strikes on American troops in the Middle East—show that the US administration is derailing from the promises Trump had made during his Gulf visit.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that some US troops are being moved out of the Middle East, calling it “a dangerous place” and reiterating that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. Trump told reporters the withdrawal was precautionary and that the situation would be monitored. He emphasised that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a key priority for his administration.
The United States has ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic personnel and their families from several embassies across the Middle East, as tensions rise sharply amid a worsening standoff with Iran.
The State Department confirmed that non-essential staff and their families have been instructed to leave the US embassy in Baghdad, which has already been operating with limited personnel, while similar authorisations have been extended to diplomatic missions in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The Pentagon, in coordination with US Central Command, has also authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from various locations across the Middle East, citing growing security concerns.
This partial evacuation is unfolding at a time of considerable instability in the region, which has been exacerbated by an 18-month-long war in Gaza and the breakdown of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The prolonged conflict has raised fears of a broader confrontation involving Iran, its regional allies, the US, and Israel, especially as both sides signal unwillingness to back down from their core demands.
US officials indicated that while diplomatic engagement with Iran continues, hopes for reviving the nuclear agreement are dwindling, particularly after recent talks showed signs of stagnation. Tehran has reiterated its position on uranium enrichment, framing it as a sovereign right, while the US has made clear it views further escalation in enrichment activity as a red line.
The Iranian defence ministry, responding to growing rhetoric from the US, issued a stark warning that American military bases across the region could be targeted if hostilities break out. Tehran’s leadership has suggested that while it still hopes for a peaceful resolution, it is prepared for confrontation should negotiations collapse.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s maritime security agency has warned of potential risks to commercial vessels navigating through critical waterways such as the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz, which border Iran. British officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to review the status of their diplomatic presence in Iraq following the US’s actions.
