SHOTLIST: BAGHDAD, IRAQ (JUNE 11, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOUS OF EXTERIOR OF US EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD / AREA AROUND EMBASSYBAGHDAD, IRAQ - JUNE 11: The US is evacuating diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, a State Department official confirmed to Anadolu Wednesday. "President (Donald) Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies," the official told Anadolu in a statement. "Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce our Mission in Iraq." The State Department ordered the departure of "non-emergency personnel" from Iraq, citing “heightened regional tensions.” A Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory remains in effect due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and limited US consular access. US government staff in Baghdad are also barred from traveling through Baghdad International Airport due to security concerns. The drawdown comes three days after Trump convened a meeting of his national security team at Camp David, a site in rural Maryland that gives him far more privacy to conduct sensitive meetings than the White House. Details of what was discussed remain sparse, but Trump acknowledged that the sit-down including meetings with senior military brass. The Axios news website separately cited anonymous Israeli officials as saying that the Israeli military "has been on extremely high alert in recent days for possible escalation with Iran." Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh threatened to target US bases in the region if conflict breaks out between the two countries over Tehran’s nuclear program. “If war is imposed on Iran, the US would undoubtedly suffer more losses than we do,” Nasirzadeh told reporters on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting in Tehran. He warned that all US bases in the region are within the reach of Iranian missiles. Iran will “target them in their host countries without hesitation,” he said. Nasirzadeh said that Iran has made “significant progress” in its defense capabilities and that its operational forces are “fully equipped” and prepared for any potential conflict. His threat came a day after Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) testified before Congress, saying he presented a “range of options” to Trump to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In response to a question from House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers about whether CENTCOM is prepared to use force if Iran continues its nuclear activities, Kurilla said yes. Amid the volatility, Kurilla's Thursday appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee was postponed. Tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high, despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman. The main sticking point remains Iran’s uranium enrichment program. While the US demands a complete halt to enrichment, Iranian negotiators insist the program is non-negotiable and will continue with or without a deal. A sixth round of nuclear talks is scheduled to take place on Sunday in Muscat. Trump, who has previously advocated for a military response if diplomacy fails, said Wednesday he was less confident that Iran would agree to stop uranium enrichment.