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US Military and Intelligence Agencies Discuss Reducing Middle East Presence Following Iran Conflict

The US military and intelligence agencies are currently evaluating plans to reduce the number of troops and facilities stationed in the Middle East if the administration succeeds in ending the conflict with Iran. While the US maintains a large presence of approximately 50,000 troops and significant naval assets, officials are considering whether certain permanent bases remain viable given the repeated Iranian drone and missile attacks. Some military planners are considering moving installations underground to better defend against strikes, while others suggest a lighter footprint where personnel are sent on specific missions rather than remaining stationed permanently. The administration announced that the military would not discuss internal deliberations for operational security reasons. The shift reflects a broader transition toward regional self-sufficiency. New security architectures are emerging, such as the mutual defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye. These pacts suggest that regional states are increasingly organizing their own security without relying solely on US power. As the administration continues to apply economic pressure on Iran, the military is preparing for a potential transition to a post-US dominance era in the Middle East.

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