New Delhi, June 12 -- The United States is on a high alert over anticipation that Israeli forces would carry out an attack against Iran's nuclear program, authorising some of its troops and embassy staff members to leave the Middle East. Earlier, Iran has threatened to strike American bases and military assets if its attacked over its nuclear program.

The State Department said on Thursday that the decision to shrink staff in Iraq was "based on our latest analysis."

As Iran issued a threat, Iran's Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said in televised remarks, "I sincerely hope it won't come to that and that the talks reach a resolution. But if they don't, and conflict is imposed on us, the other side will undoubtedly suffer greater losses. ...