Tehran has threatened to attack US bases in the region if talks over its nuclear programme fall through The US ordered some staff to depart the embassy in Baghdad and allowed military service members' families to leave the Middle East,

The decision by the U.S. to evacuate some personnel comes at a volatile moment in the region. Trump's efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked and U.S. intelligence indicates that Israel has been making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.

The U.S.’ moves to evacuate some State Department personnel and military families from the Middle East are seen by experts as a potential sign of a U.S. or Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear program — or, at least, a signal to Iran that the U.S. is prepared for such action, ahead of another round of nuclear talks with Tehran.