U.S. moves troops from Middle East bases as regional threats rise
Diplomatic staffing also reduced as administration weighs possible Iran action
The United States is moving some military personnel out of bases across the Middle East and further reducing staffing at diplomatic posts as officials respond to heightened threats from Iran and Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
Two U.S. officials and two people familiar with the moves told NBC News that troops have been quietly relocated from bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait in recent days. U.S. officials described the moves as part of military planning intended to place personnel in safer locations as President Trump considers options for possible renewed military action against Iran.
The reductions do not amount to a complete U.S. withdrawal from the region. A small number of personnel are expected to remain at some bases, including forces needed to operate air-defense systems. U.S. Central Command spokesman Timothy Hawkins said American personnel and resources are routinely moved to optimize military readiness but declined to discuss specific movements for operational-security reasons.
The State Department is also reducing personnel at diplomatic missions. On October 21, chiefs of mission at several U.S. posts in the Middle East were informed that they would operate with fewer employees. The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia was placed under ordered-departure status for nonemergency government personnel and eligible family members as Houthi attacks on Saudi targets intensify. The State Department said the Saudi order was based on deteriorating security conditions and the need to protect U.S. personnel.
The current movements resemble precautions taken around the start of the U.S.-Iran war in February, when personnel were removed from bases and embassies because of the threat of retaliation. U.S. facilities across the region subsequently came under Iranian attack.
The latest reductions come even as the United States maintains substantial military power in the region. American forces and naval assets remain positioned to respond to threats, and the movement of personnel does not by itself establish that a decision has been made to launch new strikes against Iran.