US weighs pullback from Middle East after Iran conflict, CNN report

The discussions could mark a significant change in US regional strategy after Washington expanded its military footprint across the Middle East

WASHINGTON: US military and intelligence officials are informally discussing plans to reduce America’s permanent military and intelligence presence in the Middle East if the Trump administration succeeds in bringing the conflict with Iran to an end, CNN has reported, citing six sources.

The discussions could mark a significant change in US regional strategy after Washington expanded its military footprint across the Middle East following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Around 50,000 US troops are currently deployed across the region, supported by major military assets including aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers. According to CNN, Pentagon officials have developed preliminary options that could reshape the US force structure as early as next year, although no formal review of the regional posture has yet been ordered.

US defence officials are reportedly considering reducing troop numbers in several Gulf states while encouraging regional allies to assume a greater share of responsibility for their own security.

At the same time, the Pentagon is examining measures to better protect American personnel and installations that remain in the region. These could include relocating some facilities underground or adopting stronger defensive measures against missile and drone attacks.

The issue has gained urgency after Iranian attacks exposed vulnerabilities at several US facilities. CNN reported that American installations in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were hit during the conflict, while a CIA facility in Riyadh was reportedly severely damaged.

Washington is also considering whether certain intelligence and special operations missions could be conducted without maintaining permanent bases in the region. Under such an approach, personnel and equipment could be deployed from the United States for specific operations and then withdrawn.

Another possibility under consideration is leaving some badly damaged facilities unrepaired rather than spending billions of dollars on reconstruction. Pentagon officials have previously indicated that decisions on rebuilding damaged sites would depend on the future direction of US military policy in the region.

Despite discussions over a smaller footprint, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, with Iranian forces continuing to target US personnel and installations in the region.

US officials are nevertheless expected to maintain several major permanent bases in the Middle East. However, American reconstruction plans could depend partly on host countries sharing the financial burden.

The US Navy is also unlikely to return to some facilities soon. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle recently indicated that American naval personnel would not return to Bahrain, the traditional base of the US Fifth Fleet, in the immediate future.