Israeli military preparations on Iran fueled US diplomats’ drawdown from Iraq
Western intelligence on Israeli military activity at Nevatim air base preceded the Trump administration's decision to draw down its embassy staff in Iraq and allow US military families to leave the region.
WASHINGTON — The State Department’s decision to withdraw some of its diplomatic personnel from Iraq on Wednesday came after Western intelligence detected what appeared to be preparations by the Israeli military to carry out long-range strikes against Iran, Al-Monitor has learned.
Israeli personnel began readying long-range air-to-ground missiles and staging necessary aircraft at Nevatim and other air bases in recent weeks, increasing concerns about a potential unilateral Israeli strike, a regional diplomat and another official familiar with the intelligence said.
The preparations resembled moves made by the Israeli Air Force in the days leading up to its previous strategic strikes against Iran in October 2024, according to the diplomatic source.
It was not clear whether the recent activities indicated preparations for an attack, were part of readiness exercises or were telegraphed deliberately to spur the United States into more aggressive posture ahead of an upcoming round of indirect talks with Iranian officials, the two officials said.
