22.10.2026 07:51
The US, amid rising tensions with Iran, has reduced the number of personnel at some of its military bases in Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait, while also deciding on mandatory departure for diplomatic personnel in Saudi Arabia. It has been claimed that Donald Trump is evaluating new attack options against Iran, and that possible targets include nuclear facilities and islands of critical importance for oil exports.
As tensions between the US and Iran escalate, a noteworthy move came from the Washington administration. While the US military has begun reducing personnel at some military bases in the Middle East, similar decisions were also taken at diplomatic missions. It was reported that US President Donald Trump is evaluating new attack options against Iran, and it was claimed that the targets of a possible operation include nuclear facilities and islands of critical importance for oil exports.
TROOP NUMBERS BEING REDUCED IN THREE COUNTRIES
It was reported that soldiers serving at some US military bases in the Middle East have begun to be relocated.
According to information attributed to US officials, some soldiers at bases in Jordan are being dispatched to different regions, while the American military presence in Qatar and Kuwait is also being reduced.
It was stated that these decisions were taken due to ongoing security threats in the region and especially risks originating from Iran.
It was reported that the US plans to keep a limited number of soldiers at the relevant bases in order to maintain air defense and security activities.
MANDATORY DEPARTURE DECISION AT EMBASSY
In addition to the movement at military bases, the US Department of State also took new measures regarding personnel serving at diplomatic missions.
A mandatory departure decision was made for the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Within this scope, it was decided that the embassy would continue its activities with only personnel required to work in emergencies.
US Department of State Spokesperson Tommy Pigott pointed to Iran-backed Houthis increasing their attacks on Saudi Arabia.
It was stated that there were loss of life because civilian airports and critical infrastructure were targeted, and that serious disruptions occurred in transportation.
STATEMENT CAME FROM THE US MILITARY
US Central Command (CENTCOM) Spokesperson Timothy Hawkins stated that military units and elements are regularly deployed to different locations in order to maintain their operational readiness levels.
Hawkins stated that they would not disclose the details of military movement due to operational security reasons.
While it was stated that more than 50,000 American soldiers are in the region, it was noted that the current number is below the level before the war with Iran began in February.
NEW ATTACK OPTIONS ON TRUMP'S TABLE
The US withdrawing its soldiers and diplomats from some regions, coincided with a period in which Donald Trump is evaluating new military operation options against Iran.
According to information conveyed by US officials, senior military commanders presented Trump with various plans regarding new attacks that could be carried out against Iran.
These options include targeting tunnels and entry points of Iran's nuclear facilities and launching attacks on strategically important islands.
It was claimed that Hark Island, which plays a critical role in Iran's oil exports, and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz are also being considered among possible targets.
However, no finalized attack decision has been announced for any of these options.
DISAGREEMENT AMONG TRUMP'S ADVISERS
It was stated that there are differing views within the US administration on restarting military operations against Iran.
It was reported that some officials support new attacks, while some advisers warned that expanding the war without a clear exit strategy could pose serious risks.
In a statement on October 8, Trump said that no attack would be carried out on Iran before the midterm elections on November 3.
While stating that talks with Iran were productive, the US President left open the possibility that after the elections the crisis could be ended by using additional military force or through a diplomatic agreement.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND OIL FACILITIES ALSO ON THE TABLE
Among the options being considered by the Washington administration is increasing economic pressure on Iran.
It is stated that the US could increase economic and military pressure to steer the Tehran administration toward an agreement that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Bradley Cooper announced that the naval blockade imposed by the US has caused Iran to suffer a $25 billion loss in crude oil exports.
USE OF THE HUGE BOMB ALSO QUESTIONED
Trump did not rule out the possibility of expanding the scope of possible new attacks against Iran. In an interview with Newsmax, the US President did not give a definitive no to the question about using the MOAB bomb, known to the public as the "mother of all bombs," against Iranian infrastructure. However, Trump said there was no need to use nuclear weapons.
The US personnel reduction in the Middle East and military preparations have increased assessments regarding the possibility of a new attack on Iran, while no official statement has been made by the Washington administration that an operation decision has been taken.