US weighs scaling back Middle East military presence after Iranian attacks

The United States is contemplating a significant reduction of its military footprint in the Middle East, a move reportedly driven by ongoing conflict and repeated attacks from Iran. The Washington Post reported Tuesday, citing anonymous officials, that the Pentagon's policy office is leading evaluations on scaling back presence, with input from the Joint Staff and US Central Command (CENTCOM).

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CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper has been involved in the discussions, one source said, adding that he supports discussing the relocation of Gulf troops westward.

Central to these discussions is the potential relocation of troops stationed in the Persian Gulf further westward. Adm. Brad Cooper, the chief of CENTCOM, is reportedly involved in these deliberations and supports exploring options for troop redeployment. This strategic review is anticipated to create internal debate within the administration, pitting those favoring a more interventionist stance against non-interventionist factions.

US bases in the region, particularly in the Persian Gulf, are a key focus for potential cuts. Sources indicate that the US might not rebuild certain bases that sustained damage during recent fighting with Iran. Many of these facilities were evacuated in February, prior to US and Israeli strikes on Iran, as they were deemed vulnerable to Iranian missile and drone assaults.

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Many of these bases were evacuated in February before the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, a person familiar with the details told the newspaper, saying that the bases were considered vulnerable to drone and missile attacks.

"Iran thinks we are in the traditional places," one individual familiar with the matter commented, suggesting a potential advantage for Iran in anticipating US positions. The report notes that Iran launched thousands of ballistic missiles and drones over several months following Operation Epic Fury, resulting in 19 American soldier deaths and hundreds of injuries. A CENTCOM spokesperson declined to comment on the report.

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"Iran thinks we are in the traditional places," they said.