U.S. Begins Pulling Military Families From Middle East as Iran Threatens Regional Bases
Tehran warns U.S. installations are within strike range; Pentagon quietly authorizes dependent departures across Gulf states
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. military dependents from installations across the Middle East, following a blunt warning from Iran that American bases in the region could become targets if a wider military conflict breaks out.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami said all U.S. bases in the region are “within range” and would be struck if Washington expands military operations. “We know your bases. We know your forces. We will attack them,” Salami warned, signaling that American assets in countries like Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and the Gulf states could face retaliation.
The Washington Post reports that US intelligence officials have grown 'increasingly concerned that Israel may choose to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities without the consent of the United States'.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized military dependents in multiple regional countries to leave, citing “heightened regional tensions.” The move applies to personnel stationed in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and marks a significant shift in posture just days after renewed Iranian threats.
No mandatory evacuations have been ordered, but the voluntary departure notice underscores growing concern within the Department of Defense about the possibility of a broader conflict igniting across the region.