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Trump Threatens New Military Operation Against Iran as US Draws Down — AI-generated representative image: The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, amid reported US troop relocations and renewed threats of military action against Iran.

Editorial Team

Pentagon relocates troops and cuts Middle East embassy staffing amid renewed Epic Fury warnings to Tehran

US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch another military operation against Iran, warning of "another little Epic Fury" during a campaign rally in Florida on Friday. The remark referred to the offensive launched against Iran on February 28, which the Pentagon officially declared over on May 5 even as the conflict continued.

The threat comes as Washington reduces diplomatic staffing at four more embassies across the Middle East and quietly relocates troops from regional bases, moves that resemble preparations taken before the initial strikes.

The developments signal that the United States remains prepared to resume military action against Tehran despite formally declaring the earlier operation concluded. The simultaneous diplomatic and military drawdowns raise questions about whether Washington is positioning for renewed strikes, even as officials deny any connection.

The situation affects US personnel and citizens across the Middle East, as well as regional stability, with Tehran having previously accused Washington of endangering Gulf residents during earlier operations.

Major Developments This Week

Trump delivered his warning while expressing doubt that Tehran would accept Washington's demands. "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," he said. "If they're smart, they'll just say, let's get down to business."

The State Department announced staffing reductions at embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, citing alleged threats from Iran and Yemen's Houthis. The missions will remain open but operate with fewer personnel. Unlike in Saudi Arabia, where nonessential staff and families were ordered to leave earlier this week, personnel at the other embassies are not required to depart.

Separately, the Pentagon has reportedly begun relocating troops from bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait, with NBC News reporting the movements on Wednesday and CBS subsequently confirming the reductions.

Background of Operation Epic Fury

Operation Epic Fury was launched on February 28 as a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran. Trump reiterated on Friday that previous strikes had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and defeated the country "militarily, financially and otherwise."

The administration has sought to avoid formally characterizing the hostilities as a war, maintaining that the fighting had diminished. Before the February offensive, the Pentagon evacuated troops from vulnerable installations ahead of anticipated Iranian retaliation. Tehran subsequently accused Washington of using Gulf residents as "human shields" after American military personnel reportedly relocated to civilian hotels and office buildings.

Intelligence Claims and Military Options

An intelligence memo sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday claimed that Tehran had intensified efforts to target Americans abroad. "The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against US citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries," Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton wrote in the document obtained by AP and Axios.

The memo did not publicly identify specific targets or provide evidence substantiating the alleged plots. US officials have denied that the diplomatic withdrawals are connected to preparations for renewed strikes against Iran.

The Pentagon reportedly presented Trump with options for renewed strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, underground military installations and strategic islands, including Kharg Island, a major oil export hub.

What Happens Next

Trump has pledged not to launch new attacks before the November 3 midterm elections, while keeping military action on the table if Tehran refuses Washington's demands. No specific timeline for potential strikes has been confirmed, and US officials continue to deny that current personnel movements are linked to preparations for renewed military action.