Oman’s foreign minister announced on Thursday that the sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks would take place on Sunday in Muscat.
This announcement followed US President Donald Trump’s reaffirmation that Tehran would not be permitted to possess a nuclear weapon, according to a Reuters report.
On Wednesday, Trump stated that American personnel were being relocated from the Middle East due to the region’s potential dangers.
Evacuation
Due to escalating security concerns across the Middle East, the US is reportedly preparing to evacuate its Iraqi embassy.
Additionally, military dependents stationed in the region will be permitted to depart, as confirmed by US and Iraqi sources to Reuters.
Though the specific security risks prompting the decision remain undisclosed, news of a potential evacuation initially caused oil prices to surge over 4% before settling on Thursday.
Brent crude oil prices had hit $70.83 per barrel on Wednesday, its highest level since early April.
Foreign energy companies are carrying on with their operations as normal in Iraq, according to the report.
The State Department has authorised voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait, according to a US official quoted in the report.
On Wednesday evening, the US State Department updated its worldwide travel advisory, reflecting the latest US posture.
“On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions,” the advisory said.
Escalating tensions between US and Iran
At a highly volatile time in the region, the US has decided to evacuate personnel.
This comes amid intelligence suggesting Israel is preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities, and with Trump’s attempts to secure a nuclear deal with Iran seemingly at a standstill.
“They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump told reporters.
We’ve given notice to move out.
When questioned about de-escalating regional tensions, Trump responded,
They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they can’t have a nuclear weapon.
Trump has consistently threatened military action against Iran if negotiations regarding its nuclear program falter.
In a Wednesday interview, he expressed diminishing confidence that Tehran would agree to cease uranium enrichment, a central American requirement.
Though the evacuation of non-essential personnel sparked worries about a potential regional escalation, a high-ranking Iranian security official informed Iran’s Press TV on Thursday that the departure of American military dependents posed no threat.
Shipping warning
Iran’s defense minister issued a warning on Wednesday that Tehran would target US regional bases if a war were to erupt due to the failure of nuclear talks.
The US maintains a military presence throughout the primary oil-producing region, with established bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from several Middle Eastern locations. A US official noted this authorisation primarily pertains to family members stationed in Bahrain, where the majority are based.
Britain’s maritime agency issued a caution on Wednesday regarding heightened tensions in the Middle East.
These tensions could escalate military activity, potentially affecting shipping in vital waterways.
The agency advised vessels to exercise prudence when navigating the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Straits of Hormuz, all of which share borders with Iran.
Since October 2023, tensions within Iraq have escalated following the war in Gaza. Iran-aligned armed groups have repeatedly targeted U.S. troops in the country, though these attacks have decreased since late 2023.
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