US reduces military presence in Middle East amid escalation threat with Iran
The United States has begun to reduce the number of military personnel at bases in the Middle East and to evacuate some diplomatic staff from the region. The measures are connected to rising security threats and come against the backdrop of discussions within President Donald Trump's administration about possible new military operations against Iran.
NBC News reported this on October 21, citing two American officials and two interlocutors familiar with the situation. The U.S. State Department confirmed some decisions regarding the evacuation of diplomats.
According to NBC News, the American military command has gradually reduced the presence of personnel at a number of bases in the region over recent days. The Pentagon has already applied similar measures ahead of the start of the war with Iran in February 2026, to reduce risks to service members in the event of retaliatory strikes.
Spokesman for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Timothy Hawkins stated that the movement of troops and equipment is part of regular measures to maintain combat readiness. He did not disclose details, citing operational security requirements, but assured that American forces remain ready to defend U.S. personnel and interests.
In parallel, the U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation from Saudi Arabia of employees not involved in performing critical functions and their family members. The reason was the increasingly frequent attacks by Yemen's Houthis, whom Iran supports.
According to CNN, civilian airports, energy facilities, and other infrastructure in Saudi Arabia have come under attack in recent weeks. The attacks have led to casualties, damage to facilities, and major disruptions to aviation transport.
The American embassy has warned U.S. citizens about the risk of new missile and drone strikes, possible closures of airspace, flight cancellations, and restrictions on international transportation.
Meanwhile, information about a large-scale evacuation of diplomats from other Gulf states has not yet received official confirmation. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott clarified that the mandatory departure order applies specifically to Saudi Arabia. According to CNN, some other diplomatic missions are also adjusting their staffing levels, but this does not mean the imposition of a similar evacuation regime.
The reduction of American presence is happening simultaneously with military leadership preparing new options for action against Iran. According to NBC News sources, the Pentagon has presented President Donald Trump with possible scenarios for renewed large-scale combat operations.
There is no unified position within the U.S. administration on the necessity of a new offensive. Some advisors support increased military pressure on Tehran, while others caution against an operation without clearly defined political goals and conditions for its conclusion.
A final decision on new strikes has not been made. Trump has previously stated that the U.S. does not plan to launch a new military operation against Iran before the midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 3.
One of the main issues of the standoff remains the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington seeks to achieve the resumption of shipping through this strategic route, which is of key importance to the global oil and liquefied natural gas market.
Further escalation of the conflict creates risks for the operation of oil terminals, ports, international air transport, and logistics of Gulf countries. The reduction of American personnel itself does not mean that a decision on a new military operation has already been made.
Source: NBC News, CNN, U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia
