US reduces Middle East forces as Trump weighs possible Iran strikes

The United States is reducing its military presence at bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait as President Donald Trump considers options for fresh strikes on Iran, NBC News reports, citing two US officials and two people briefed on the preparations. The withdrawals began in recent days, and small units are to remain in place for air defence and base security.

The Pentagon describes the moves as a protective measure in response to threats and an adjustment to operational readiness. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command, said the United States regularly moved personnel and resources to optimise its combat readiness. The reductions recall those made before the war against Iran began in February.

Separately, the State Department has ordered non-essential staff to leave the US embassy in Saudi Arabia, along with their families. Spokesman Tommy Pigott cited rising attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi airports and civilian infrastructure. Other US diplomatic missions in the region have also been instructed to reduce their staffing.

Military officials have presented Donald Trump with strike options targeting Iranian nuclear tunnels and strategic sites, among other locations, according to NBC News. Officials are considering repositioning forces out of range as part of possible operations before or after the midterm elections. Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before 3 November.

The measures follow the evacuation of non-essential US staff from Saudi Arabia, announced on 21 October, and come as Washington and Israel prepare new strikes against Iran, according to a report published on 22 October.