US prepares to evacuate embassy staff from Gulf countries amid Yemen & Iran tensions

The U.S. State Department is preparing to evacuate some of the staff and family members from its embassies in the Gulf countries, Reuters reported, amid ongoing tensions with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen as well as the regime in Tehran.

Two U.S. officials told the outlet that the move was in preparation for the possibility of new fighting with the Houthis, and included staff in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain.

In addition, multiple reports in recent days have suggested that the U.S. and Israel are preparing for potential new fighting against Iran as well.

Israel's Channel 12 reported that dozens of Israeli fighter jets flew a training exercise toward Iranian territory earlier this week, turning around just before reaching the border. Jerusalem reportedly informed Washington ahead of time.