FLASH
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The United States has withdrawn hundreds of troops from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and reduced its presence at US bases in Bahrain, the New York Times reported, citing Pentagon sources. The development heightens speculation about a possible US strike on Iran.
According to the newspaper, a senior Pentagon official has stressed that American forces would face greater risk if the US were to launch a direct attack, rather than Israel. American troops are also deployed in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
The moves come as Washington is beefing up its military presence in the Middle East, signaling it could intervene if negotiations over Iran's nuclear program fail. US President Donald Trump said earlier he was considering a "limited strike" to increase pressure on Tehran to reach a deal.
Two US officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity, that military preparations are in an advanced stage. According to them, the scenarios include targeted attacks on specific individuals and, if the political order is given, also options related to regime change in Iran. They did not provide details on the specific objectives or how such a scenario could be carried out without a large-scale ground operation.
Reuters reported earlier that the US military is preparing for a protracted operation that could last several weeks and include strikes on Iranian security facilities and nuclear infrastructure. According to the sources, the plans have been made more detailed in anticipation of a possible decision by the president.
On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that within two or three days Tehran will prepare a draft agreement on the nuclear issue, which it will send to Washington.
President Trump has amassed significant forces in the region, including warships and fighter jets, while an expanded air operation could also be supported by bombers operating from US territory.
During his first term, Trump approved the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, in 2020. In 2019, the US administration officially declared the Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization.
One of the officials cited by Reuters noted that the 12-day clash between Israel and Iran over the summer demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted strikes on military leaders. According to regional sources, at least 20 senior commanders were killed then, including the head of the Iranian armed forces, General Mohammad Bagheri.
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