Israel is reportedly preparing for a possible strike against Iran, U.S. and European officials say, prompting Washington to pull diplomats from Iraq and reduce its Middle East footprint amid fears of Iranian retaliation and failed diplomacy.

U.S. Reacts to Rising War Signals

On Wednesday, the U.S. withdrew personnel from its embassy in Baghdad and allowed military families across the region to voluntarily depart. The moves were driven by growing concerns about an Israeli strike and the possibility of escalation from Tehran.

Simultaneously, the U.K. issued maritime warnings over threats to shipping in the Persian Gulf, reflecting broader anxieties in Western capitals.

Netanyahu Presses, Trump Hesitates

According to officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been urging President Trump to capitalize on what he sees as a moment of Iranian vulnerability. While Trump previously rejected a proposed Israeli strike in favor of negotiations, his tone has recently shifted.

Two weeks ago, he warned Netanyahu against launching an attack while talks were ongoing. But following Iran’s rejection of a U.S. proposal to phase out uranium enrichment, Trump acknowledged growing doubts about the diplomatic track.

“I’m getting more and more—less confident,” Trump said in a recent interview, reinforcing fears that diplomacy may collapse under the weight of military brinkmanship.

Strategic Calculations and Global Stakes

Though it remains unclear what scale of attack Israel might contemplate, officials noted Netanyahu has repeatedly considered such action before backing down at the last moment.

This time, however, conditions appear more volatile: nuclear talks are unraveling, Iran’s Supreme Leader has dismissed compromise, and Israel may view the strategic window as narrowing.

Any attack risks spiraling into a broader conflict, undermining months of U.S. diplomatic efforts and threatening regional stability, energy markets, and maritime security.