U.S.-Iran Tensions Rise as Military Families Evacuated from Iraq

BAGHDAD - As domestic attention remains focused on ongoing civil unrest in Los Angeles, a potentially more consequential crisis is rapidly escalating in the Middle East, with the Trump administration ordering the immediate evacuation of military dependents and non-essential diplomatic personnel from Iraq amid sharply deteriorating relations with Iran. The extraordinary moves came following an unusual weekend summit at Camp David where President Trump huddled with his full National Security Council staff.

The dramatic shift became apparent when Trump delivered uncharacteristically pessimistic remarks to the New York Post regarding ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran, stating he was now "less confident" about reaching a diplomatic solution. His comments triggered immediate market reactions, with crude oil prices surging over 5% as Brent crude jumped to $70 per barrel amid fears of military confrontation. The evacuation orders represent the most significant escalation in a region where Israeli officials have repeatedly threatened preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, with intelligence reports suggesting Tehran may be closer than ever to weapons capability - a red line that the last five U.S. presidents have vowed never to allow Iran to cross.