Israel has informed US officials that it is now fully prepared to launch a military operation against Iran, according to a report by CBS News.
However, the report cited a senior defence official saying that the US anticipates Iran may retaliate by targeting American sites in neighbouring Iraq.
DAILY POST reports that the growing threat of regional escalation reportedly contributed to the US State Department’s decision earlier on Wednesday to advise American citizens to leave the area.
As part of the precautionary measures, the State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel from Iraq, citing heightened regional tensions.
In addition, the Pentagon authorised the voluntary departure of military family members stationed across various locations in the Middle East.
Despite the rising tensions, US officials said President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, still intends to proceed with a sixth round of talks with Iranian officials regarding the country’s nuclear programme in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Defence Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, issued a stern warning during a press briefing on Wednesday, stating, “If nuclear talks fail and a conflict is imposed on us, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will target all U.S. bases in the host countries.”;
Israeli officials and White House spokespeople declined to comment on the developments.
