Overview

• The State Department ordered departure of all nonessential staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad over elevated security risks.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the voluntary departure of military families from bases across the Gulf as fears of Iran-related conflict grow.
• Officials say the planned sixth round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations in Oman is unlikely to take place due to the current stalemate.
• Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh threatened to strike US bases throughout the region if hostilities erupt.
• The UK Maritime Trade Operations center advised merchant ships to exercise caution when navigating the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz.