According to CBS News, U.S. officials have been informed that Israel is now “fully ready” to launch a military operation against Iran. This readiness is reportedly a key factor behind the recent decisions to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil, as well as to withdraw military dependents from the Middle East. U.S. officials are concerned that an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could trigger retaliatory attacks by Iran on American bases and assets throughout the region.