Tensions between Israel and Iran continue to increase on Thursday as reports surfaced that Israel is “fully ready” to launch military strikes against Iran.
The news comes after the State Department issued evacuation orders on Wednesday for U.S. personnel in the Middle East over concerns of Iranian aggression, citing “heightened regional tensions.” Iran has vowed to strike U.S. military bases in the region if they are attacked, reported CBS News.
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“If a conflict is imposed on us … all U.S. bases are within reach,” said Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh.
A State Department official spoke to the Washington Examiner on Wednesday about the precautionary measures being taken in the Middle East to protect U.S. service members and their families.
“The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority, and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East,” said the State Department official. “CENTCOM is working in close coordination with our Department of State counterparts, as well as our allies and partners in the region to maintain a constant state of readiness to support any number of missions around the world at any time.”
Complicating matters in the region are the U.S. and Iran’s efforts to resolve the stalemate in discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and, specifically, uranium enrichment. United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Iran for a sixth round of negotiations in the upcoming days, with a meeting tentatively scheduled for Sunday between Witkoff and Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi.
President Donald Trump has tempered expectations in recent days about an agreement with Iran, claiming Iran has become more stubborn in their negotiations. On Monday, he spoke about the current frustrations with trying to broker an agreement with Iran.
“They’re just asking for things that you can’t do. They don’t want to give up what they have to give up,” said Trump earlier this week. “They seek enrichment. We can’t have enrichment.”
Meanwhile, any strike initiated by Israel would be a unilateral effort, not involving U.S. forces, according to multiple reports.