Hegseth authorizes voluntary departure of military dependents from across Middle East amid rising tensions

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. military dependents from Middle East locations amid rising regional tensions monitored by CENTCOM.

Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com

The authorization affects U.S. bases throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, which includes key flashpoints like Iraq, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. While the Department of Defense (DOD) has not cited a specific threat, the move comes as Iran-backed militias increase activity and regional instability grows.