U.S. Secretary of Defense Authorizes Voluntary Departure of Military Dependents Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

In a significant development amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from the region. This decision follows a stark warning from Iran’s Defense Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, who indicated that military actions against American assets remain an option.

Iran’s Threats and American Responses

On Wednesday, Nasirzadeh delivered a pointed speech stating, "Some officials on the other side threaten conflict if negotiations don’t come to fruition. If a conflict is imposed on us … all U.S. bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries." This remark, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores the precarious situation in the region as nuclear negotiations progress.

Key Actions Following the Threat

A senior official from the Department of Defense has confirmed to the Sun that the authorization impacts the entirety of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operational area, spanning from Egypt to Pakistan. Key actions include:

• Voluntary Departure: Military dependents can choose to leave the region based on the authorization from Secretary Hegseth.
• Embassy Preparations: The U.S. embassy in Iraq is reportedly contemplating a partial evacuation, which may involve a number of diplomats and security officials, although confirmation regarding the direct impact of Nasirzadeh’s comments on this decision has not been provided.

Coordination with State Department and Allies

According to the Pentagon source, "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East." They are collaborating closely with the Department of State and allied partners to maintain operational readiness.

• Support for Departing Personnel: Departing military families may be provided with:
  • Military aircraft for transport
  • Commercial flight allowances to facilitate their exit from the area

Conclusion

The decision to authorize the voluntary departure of military dependents reflects the U.S. government’s prudent steps in response to rising threats from Iran. As the situation continues to evolve, both the Central Command and Embassy officials are diligently assessing risks to ensure the safety of American personnel and their families.

For ongoing updates on this developing situation, rely on trusted news sources such as Reuters and Al Jazeera, as well as official statements from the Department of Defense and the State Department.