Supplemental Info:

Tensions in the region have been increasing as talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear program are making little progress.

The DoD is standing by to support a potential evacuation of U.S. personnel from U.S. Embassy Baghdad.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a warning to ships that it “has been made aware of increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners.”

Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh told reporters a short time ago:

“If conflict is imposed on us, the opponent’s casualties will certainly be more than ours, and in that case, America must leave the region, because all its bases are within our reach,” he said. “We have access to them, and we will target all of them in the host countries without hesitation.”