U.S. Pulls Nonessential Staff From Mideast Bases as U.N. Security Council Plans Iran Session

Overview

• Reuters reports the United States has begun withdrawing nonessential personnel from strategic bases and has increased its naval presence, with the destroyer Roosevelt entering the Red Sea to join two other strike-capable warships.
• The United States ordered its citizens to leave Iran immediately, with Canada, France, and Poland issuing similar advisories, and the United Kingdom temporarily closing its embassy in Tehran and urging against travel to Israel.
• The U.N. Security Council is set to meet at Washington’s request to discuss the escalating situation tied to Iran’s nationwide protests and U.S. warnings.
• Iran has informed regional governments that it would target U.S. and Israeli facilities if attacked and has asked partners to help head off a potential operation, according to Reuters.
• Unnamed U.S. and European officials told Reuters a U.S. strike could be imminent, while NBC reported Israel and Arab states have urged President Trump to wait and that planning has not reached a decisive point.