U.S. Military Quietly Withdraws Personnel from Bases across the Middle East

Washington: The U.S. military has quietly begun withdrawing personnel from military bases across the Middle East, while Washington is also ordering staff at several diplomatic missions in the region to leave, according to a report by U.S. broadcaster NBC News. The report, published on Wednesday, cited two U.S. officials and two people familiar with the matter.

According to the report, these measures are being taken as President Donald Trump considers launching a new wave of attacks against Iran. The preparations resemble arrangements made by the Pentagon and the State Department before the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes in February. Personnel are being relocated from bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait. Washington reportedly intends to maintain a limited presence at its regional bases, including personnel responsible for air defence and security.

Before the February 28 strikes, the Pentagon had withdrawn large numbers of troops from potentially vulnerable bases to protect them against possible Iranian retaliation. At the time, Tehran accused Washington of using people in Gulf countries as “human shields,” after thousands of U.S. personnel took shelter in civilian hotels and office buildings. U.S. Central Command spokesperson Timothy Hawkins declined to comment on the troop movements, saying that American forces are routinely repositioned to improve “mission readiness” and remain prepared to defend U.S. personnel and interests.

The State Department has also ordered non-essential personnel and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia, citing an increase in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement targeting civilian airports and other critical infrastructure. Reuters reported, citing U.S. officials, that Washington was preparing for further diplomatic evacuations across the Gulf. However, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott described reports of additional evacuations as “false.”

According to NBC News, senior U.S. military officials have presented Trump with options for new attacks against Iran. These include strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, underground installations and strategically important islands. The islands under consideration reportedly include Kharg Island, a major hub for Iran’s oil exports, and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

The report said some of Trump’s advisers, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, support 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 and held closed-door talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting took place just days before Israel’s October 27 parliamentary elections. Netanyahu is seeking another term despite mounting criticism over his handling of the wars in Gaza and Iran, while Trump has expressed support for his re-election bid.

Earlier this month, Trump pledged that the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections. However, he has maintained that military force remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail. Netanyahu has also not ruled out new strikes before Israel’s elections, declaring on Sunday that Israel was prepared to attack Iran even without U.S. participation.

The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which began on February 28, has entered its eighth month, disrupting global energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has offered to restore normal maritime traffic through the strategic waterway within seven days if Washington lifts its naval blockade, eases oil-related sanctions and agrees to a broader ceasefire. Trump has rejected the Iranian proposal as “unacceptable,” while his administration continues to consider whether additional military pressure could compel Tehran to accept Washington’s terms.