Washington DC [US], June 12 (HBTV): Israel is fully prepared to launch an operation into Iran, according to information relayed to US officials, multiple sources told CBS News.

The United States anticipates potential retaliation from Iran, particularly targeting American sites in neighbouring Iraq. This concern was a key factor in the US State Department’s decision to order non-emergency government personnel to exit Iraq earlier on Wednesday, citing ‘heightened regional tensions’, CBS News reported.

Amidst the escalating situation, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reportedly continuing efforts to revive stalled nuclear negotiations with Iran, with a sixth round of talks expected soon. 

Speaking on Thursday while attending a performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center, Trump said that US military personnel were being relocated from certain Middle Eastern countries due to emerging risks.

‘They (US military personnel) are being moved out (of some countries of the Middle East) because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens... We have given notice to move out,’ Trump said, reiterating his administration’s hardline stance: ‘They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that.’

The remarks follow a failed round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran. The US government is now reducing the presence of non-essential staff in key Middle Eastern locations, amid fears of regional unrest.

According to The Times of Israel, the State Department confirmed the drawdown, noting it as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of US personnel.

‘President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq,’ a State Department official said.

The department has also authorised the optional departure of non-essential staff and family members from diplomatic missions in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Tensions in the region have risen in recent days following an impasse in US-Iran nuclear negotiations, with concerns mounting over Iran’s advancing nuclear programme.

(ANI)