Washington reportedly believes Israel could strike Tehran's nuclear sites without its approval

The US has begun evacuating non-essential personnel and family members from its embassies and military bases in the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran.

The move follows President Donald Trump's accusation that Tehran is "slow-walking" negotiations.

"Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq," the State Department said in an emailed statement to the media on Wednesday. Reuters cited a US official as saying that voluntary departures had also been authorized at the embassies in Kuwait and Bahrain.

The Pentagon has likewise approved the departure of family members from military installations in the region. "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," a defense official told reporters.

According to the Washington Post, American intelligence officials are concerned that Israel may strike Iranian nuclear facilities without US consent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office dismissed reports last month that Israel was discussing potential strikes with Trump as "fake news."

In an interview with the New York Post aired on Wednesday, Trump said he was "less confident" about reaching a deal with Iran, after five rounds of negotiations mediated by Oman failed to produce a breakthrough. The president has previously said he wants to completely dismantle Iran's nuclear program - something Tehran has firmly rejected.

"Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability," the Iranian mission to the UN said in a statement on X. Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Iran would "target all US bases across the region without hesitation" if attacked.

Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 UN-backed nuclear agreement during his first term, accusing Iran of secretly violating its terms. Tehran has denied the allegations but has since scaled back its commitments and expanded its stockpile of enriched uranium.