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US Withdraws Middle East Troops Amid Iran Strike Planning — AI-generated representative image. US military personnel and transport aircraft at a desert airfield in the Middle East amid reported troop relocations.

Editorial Team

Pentagon relocates forces from Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait while diplomats exit Saudi Arabia ahead of potential new attacks on Iran.

The United States military has quietly begun withdrawing troops from bases across the Middle East while Washington orders diplomatic personnel to leave several missions in the region, NBC News reported, citing two US officials and two people familiar with the matter.

The movements come as President Donald Trump weighs launching a new wave of attacks on Iran, and they closely resemble preparations made by the Pentagon and State Department ahead of the initial US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

The repositioning signals that Washington is bracing for potential Iranian retaliation while simultaneously preparing possible new strikes against Tehran. The developments carry major implications for regional stability, global energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway already disrupted by eight months of conflict.

US troops, diplomatic staff and their families in the Gulf are directly affected, as are civilian populations in areas where military personnel have previously taken shelter.

Troop Relocations and Diplomatic Drawdowns

US troops stationed in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait are among those being relocated, according to the report. Washington reportedly intends to maintain a limited presence at its regional bases, including personnel responsible for air defenses and security.

The State Department has ordered nonessential personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, citing escalating attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement against civilian airports and other critical infrastructure.
Reuters reported that Washington is preparing additional diplomatic withdrawals across the Gulf, but State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott described reports of further withdrawals as "inaccurate."
US Central Command spokesman Timothy Hawkins declined to discuss the reported troop movements, saying US forces are regularly repositioned to "optimize mission readiness" and remained prepared to defend US personnel and interests.

Background of the US-Israeli Campaign Against Iran

The US-Israeli war against Iran, launched on February 28, has entered its eighth month, disrupting global energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Ahead of the initial February 28 attack, the Pentagon withdrew large numbers of troops from potentially vulnerable bases to shield them from expected Iranian retaliation.

Tehran accused Washington of using Gulf residents as "human shields" after thousands of US service members took shelter in civilian hotels and office buildings during that earlier drawdown.

Trump pledged earlier this month that the US would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, while maintaining that military force remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also ruled out launching new strikes before Israel's October 27 parliamentary elections, but declared on Sunday that Israel is prepared to attack Iran even without American participation.

Strike Options and Adviser Divisions

Senior US military officials have presented Trump with options for renewed strikes against Iran, according to NBC. The proposals include attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, underground installations and strategic islands, including Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub, and Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz.

Some of Trump's advisers, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, have reportedly advocated resuming military operations to increase pressure on Tehran. Others have warned against launching another major campaign without a clearly defined objective.

Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, holding closed-door talks with Netanyahu just days before Israel's parliamentary elections. Netanyahu is seeking another term amid mounting criticism of his handling of the wars in Gaza and Iran, and Trump has endorsed his reelection bid.

Current Status and Diplomatic Outlook

Tehran has offered to restore normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington lifts its naval blockade, eases oil sanctions and agrees to a broader cessation of hostilities. Trump has rejected the Iranian proposal as "unacceptable," while his administration continues to consider whether additional military pressure could force Tehran to accept their terms.

No decision on renewed strikes has been officially announced, and additional information on the scope of troop relocations and diplomatic withdrawals remains awaited.