Iran: Israeli presidential aircraft performs ‘evacuation drill’ to Greece as US withdraws Middle East troops

The United States has begun withdrawing some personnel from military installations across the Middle East as a safeguard against rising regional volatility, a US official confirmed to Reuters on Wednesday.

The move was mirrored in the Eastern Mediterranean by an Israeli “evacuation drill” involving the Wing of Zion presidential jet, which made a quick turnaround in Greece this morning, echoing moves previously observed during periods of friction with Tehran.

The Boeing 767-338ER, which serves as the primary transport for Israel’s Prime Minister and President, departed Nevatim Airbase in Southern Israel early this morning. The aircraft flew directly to the Greek island of Crete, a flight path that analysts noted has preceded previous Israeli strikes against Iran. However, after a brief turnaround in Greece, the aircraft began its return journey to Israel. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) later characterised the flight as an “evacuation drill” designed to test the readiness of the state’s strategic assets.

The drill comes as Washington takes preemptive measures to protect its forces in the region. A US official told Reuters that certain personnel and service members are being moved from multiple bases. The official described the withdrawals as a “precaution given elevated regional tensions,” though the specific locations and number of troops involved remain classified. The US maintains bases in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of protesters in Iran, where thousands of people have been reported killed in a crackdown on the protests against clerical rule.

Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of fomenting the unrest, carried out by people it calls terrorists.

An Israeli Boeing 767-338ER, known as the “Wing of Zion” which operates as an Air Force One for the Prime Minister and President, suddenly departed Nevatim Airbase in Southern Israel earlier this morning bound for the Greek island of Crete, similar to what was seen in the lead up… pic.twitter.com/vRZ0S1d6gF

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 14, 2026

“Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that U.S. bases in those countries will be attacked” if the U.S. targets Iran, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Echoes of previous military alerts

The movement of the “Wing of Zion” is being closely monitored by regional intelligence agencies. During previous periods of direct confrontation with Tehran, the aircraft has been repositioned to ensure the continuity of government and to protect the head of state from potential retaliatory strikes.

The Republic of Cyprus recently issued an urgent “leave now” order for its citizens in Iran, citing a “heightened risk of regional escalation.”

US posture in the Middle East

The US troop movements follow several weeks of reported “hybrid” threats and heightened alert levels at installations in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. While the Pentagon has not confirmed a total evacuation of any single site, the thinning of personnel suggests a shift to a defensive posture as diplomatic efforts to stall a wider conflict appear to be faltering.