U.S. officials told Reuters that Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, has postponed his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee that had been scheduled for Thursday, 12 June, citing heightened security concerns in the Middle East. Kurilla had been expected to brief lawmakers on U.S. force posture and regional threats. The delay coincides with U.S. diplomatic missions in Iraq preparing for a possible ordered departure of non-essential staff and with military dependents in other Middle Eastern countries receiving authorization for voluntary departure, according to people familiar with the matter. Officials added that units of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been placed on their highest alert level, further underscoring the elevated risk of escalation in the region. The Senate committee has not yet announced a new date for Kurilla’s appearance.