US Evacuates Troops, Staff in Middle East Amid Iran Strike Concerns

The U.S. military is undertaking a quiet evacuation of troops from bases in the Middle East, while the State Department is reducing staff at diplomatic posts across the region. These actions are occurring amid escalating threats and as President Donald Trump reportedly considers launching a significant strike against Iran.

Troops stationed at bases in Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait have been ordered to relocate in recent days, according to a U.S. official and two individuals familiar with the directives. Simultaneously, chiefs of mission at multiple diplomatic posts in the Middle East were informed on Wednesday that their locations would operate with reduced staff.

The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia is now under an "ordered departure," meaning only essential emergency personnel will remain. A State Department spokesman cited "Iranian-supported Houthis" for increased hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and casualties, leading to travel disruptions.

While a U.S. Central Command spokesman stated that troop movements are routine for operational readiness, sources familiar with the discussions indicate that the troop withdrawal is part of military planning in anticipation of President Trump considering a resumption of major combat operations in Iran. Some officials believe that pressuring Iran economically could prompt negotiations to end the ongoing conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, announced that the U.S. naval blockade has already cost Iran $25 billion in crude oil exports, suggesting the regime is feeling economic pressure. Plans developed by the Pentagon reportedly include options for a new operation, potentially shorter-term, similar to a previous action in June 2025. One option under consideration involves deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs," against Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure. This 21,600-pound weapon is capable of devastating a large area.

However, military insiders have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the MOAB against deeply buried targets like Iran's suspected nuclear facilities, such as the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex. Unlike specialized bunker-busting weapons, the MOAB is designed for broad area clearance rather than deep penetration. Experts caution that while it could cause significant above-ground damage, it might leave underground installations largely intact. Concerns also exist regarding civilian casualties due to its enormous blast radius, particularly if energy facilities near populated areas are targeted.

Despite these concerns, some officials believe the psychological impact of deploying such a weapon could demonstrate overwhelming U.S. military strength without initiating a full-scale bombing campaign. The dilemma arises as President Trump faces pressure over a protracted conflict and growing frustration with the lack of a negotiated settlement. Republicans are reportedly anxious about the conflict's potential impact on their electoral prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.

President Trump previously stated on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. would not attack Iran before the midterm elections on November 3, despite characterizing Iran's economic and military condition as "very bad" and mentioning "productive discussions."