US Moves Forces from Gulf Bases as Diplomacy With Iran Hangs in Balance
DUBAI: The United States has pulled hundreds of troops from major bases in Qatar and Bahrain as tensions with Iran continue to escalate, according to U.S. and regional officials.
Personnel were moved from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and facilities linked to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain in a precautionary effort to limit exposure if conflict with Tehran suddenly widens. Al Udeid, the largest U.S. base in the Middle East, supports air operations across the region.
Officials described the step as contingency planning rather than a direct precursor to war. U.S. forces still operate from bases in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the UAE.
Senior U.S. envoy Witkoff said former President Trump has questioned why Iran has not “capitulated” amid Washington’s military buildup.
Separately, U.S. and Iranian delegations are preparing for Oman‑mediated talks in Geneva this Thursday if Tehran delivers a detailed nuclear proposal within 48 hours, sources said. Iranian commanders stated that they are monitoring all “enemy movements around the clock,” while Oman’s foreign minister described upcoming negotiations as a positive push toward a diplomatic solution.
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