US TROOPS PULLED FROM MIDEAST BASES AS TRUMP WEIGHS FRESH IRAN STRIKES
The Pentagon is quietly thinning out American troops at bases in Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait while the State Department orders deeper cuts to diplomatic staff across the region. Officials say the moves answer ongoing threats and clear non-essential personnel from harm’s way as President Trump reviews options for renewed military action against Iran.
Two U.S. officials and two people familiar with the planning told NBC News the drawdowns have been underway in recent days. Small residual forces will stay behind for air defense and base security. The pattern matches the reductions made before the war with Iran opened in February.
U.S. Central Command spokesperson Timothy Hawkins stated: “We regularly move US personnel and resources to optimize combat readiness.”
On the diplomatic side, the State Department placed the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia under ordered departure. Non-emergency employees and family members must leave. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott cited increasing attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis on Saudi civilian airports and infrastructure. Chiefs of mission at several other posts were told the same day to operate with reduced staff. Many missions have already run lean since the fighting began.
Sources said military commanders have presented Trump with strike options that include Iranian nuclear tunnels and strategic sites. One official and one person familiar with the discussions described moving forces out of range as part of planning for possible major operations, either before or after the midterm elections. Trump has previously said the United States will not attack Iran before November 3.
The adjustments keep American lives out of the line of fire while the administration retains the ability to hit hard if ordered. Residual air-defense units and a thinner diplomatic footprint leave the United States positioned to act without unnecessary exposure.