U.S. Scales Back Military Presence Across Middle East Amid Iran Threats, NBC Reports

The U.S. military has been reducing its presence at bases across the Middle East in recent days amid ongoing threats, including from Iran, NBC News reported, citing two U.S. officials and two people familiar with the matter.

Troops at bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait are among those moved, one official said.

The State Department also announced a reduction in staffing at the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott cited attacks by Iran-supported Houthis on Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports.

Chiefs of mission at several other diplomatic posts were told they would operate with fewer staff, according to the officials.

Asked about the military movements, a U.S. Central Command spokesperson said: “We regularly move U.S. service members and assets to optimize mission readiness.”

The sources described the reductions as resembling drawdowns at the beginning of the war in February. One official and one person familiar with the matter said moving forces out of harm’s way forms part of planning as President Donald Trump considers restarting major combat operations.

Those sources said operations could potentially take place before or after the midterm elections. Trump wrote on October 8 that the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterms.

NBC reported that options presented to Trump include strikes on tunnels or entrances at Iranian nuclear sites, including Pickaxe Mountain, and on strategic islands such as Kharg Island and Qeshm.