US moves troops from Qatar Al Udeid, other Middle East bases amid Iran tensions: NYT

• US troops have been repositioned from Al Udeid Air Base and other regional bases amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The United States has begun moving troops from several bases across the Middle East amid mounting concerns of a possible escalation with Iran, according to a report by The New York Times citing Pentagon officials.

Troop Movements Across Key Bases

Pentagon officials told The New York Times that hundreds of American troops have been relocated from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in recent days. Similar repositioning efforts have reportedly taken place at a cluster of US bases in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s United States Fifth Fleet, as well as installations in other countries in the region. 

The moves come as Washington weighs the risks of a potential confrontation with Tehran. According to the report, American officials are concerned that the estimated 30,000 to 40,000 US troops stationed across the region could become primary targets in the event of an all-out conflict with Iran.

The Pentagon has not publicly disclosed the specific missions tied to the troop movements.

Concerns Over Broader Conflict

Officials cited by the Times said any future conflict could differ significantly from the June 2025 attack on Al Udeid, when Iranian authorities reportedly provided advance notice to Washington before launching a strike.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations has warned that in the event of an American attack, “all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.”

Analysts say the US has been reinforcing air defense systems in the region to better protect personnel and strategic assets against potential Iranian missile or drone strikes.

Katherine Thompson of the Cato Institute told the Times that the repositioning of military assets signals preparation for a longer and more complex conflict than the brief 12-day war referenced by officials.

“The ability of the United States to sustain a prolonged defense of its forces and basing in the region, while also supporting Israel’s defense, is a major concern,” Thompson said, adding that the Pentagon appears to be anticipating “an Iranian response that could be a significant risk to American bases in the region.”

The United States is also reportedly maintaining distance between Iran and its aircraft carriers to reduce vulnerability. The carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford are currently deployed with more than 120 fighter jets onboard.

Surge in Military Assets

According to open-source intelligence accounts monitoring military movements, more than 100 US military aircraft have arrived at American bases in Europe and the Middle East over the past week.

The buildup comes as diplomatic efforts continue between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. The United States is demanding that Iran halt uranium enrichment entirely and transfer enriched uranium stockpiles out of the country.

Washington is also seeking to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for armed groups across the region in negotiations, a demand Tehran has repeatedly rejected.

Diplomacy and Deadlines

Despite the military preparations, the administration of US President Donald Trump has publicly maintained its commitment to pursuing a diplomatic solution.

Trump recently stated during remarks at a “Peace Council” meeting in Washington that the trajectory of developments concerning Iran would become clearer within ten days.

“We must reach a meaningful agreement with Iran, or bad things will happen,” Trump said.

However, Reuters reported Friday that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declined to open an envelope from US negotiators containing missile-related proposals during recent talks held in Oman.

Two US officials told Reuters that potential strikes against Iran, if ordered by Trump, could include targeting specific individuals and even pursuing regime change in Tehran.

Iran’s Position

Tehran insists it will not negotiate over issues beyond its nuclear program, particularly its missile capabilities. Iranian officials have accused Washington and Israel of fabricating pretexts for intervention and regime change.

Iran has vowed to respond to any attack, even a limited one, while demanding the lifting of Western economic sanctions in exchange for curbing its nuclear activities.

The latest developments point to increasingly detailed and ambitious contingency planning in Washington, even as diplomatic channels remain open. Whether the coming days yield renewed negotiations or a sharper escalation may hinge on decisions yet to be made in the White House.