US reportedly weighing major troop pullback from Gulf following damage in Iran war

The US Department of Defense is considering a major pullback of troops from the Persian Gulf following damage sustained during the ongoing war with Iran, the Washington Post reported, citing eight sources. The conflict has provided what officials describe as a “once-in-a-generation chance” to review the American military footprint in the region. The Pentagon is reportedly exploring the possibility of not rebuilding several bases damaged since the fighting began in late February.

According to the report, one option under consideration is relocating troops and bases further west, away from Iran, into areas including Jordan and Israel. Currently, approximately 40,000 US troops are stationed across 20 bases in the Middle East. Since the start of the war in late February, many of these sites have been subjected to heavy Iranian missile and drone strikes, resulting in the deaths of 18 US service members and hundreds of injuries.

Michael Ratney, a former US diplomat to Saudi Arabia, told the Post that while moving forces further west might alleviate some pressure, there is no “perfect solution to this problem.” The report notes that any significant shift in US military posture would require White House approval and is likely to intensify internal debates between hawkish and isolationist factions within the administration of US President Donald Trump.

This potential strategic shift comes as Iran has long campaigned for the withdrawal of American forces from the region, and such a move would likely be viewed as a major achievement for Tehran. However, analysts warn that a US withdrawal could leave Gulf nations that host American bases more vulnerable to further Iranian attacks.