U.S. troops and diplomats evacuating Middle East posts, sources say

The U.S. military has quietly been scaling back its troop presence at bases across the Middle East in recent days, and the State Department is ordering a further reduction in staff at multiple diplomatic posts in the region, according to two U.S. officials and two people familiar with the matter.

The drawdowns are in response to ongoing threats in the region, sources say, and they are taking place as President Donald Trump weighs new military action in Iran.

The State Department announced Wednesday that the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia is under “ordered departure,” meaning it will operate only with emergency staff.

American personnel stationed at military bases in Jordan are among those being relocated, according to the sources. Troops at installations in Qatar and Kuwait have also been included in the drawdown.

U.S. Central Command declined to provide details about the troop movements, citing operational security considerations.

“We regularly move U.S. service members and assets to optimize mission readiness,” CENTCOM spokesperson Timothy Hawkins said.

“We do not discuss related movements for operational security reasons,” Hawkins added. “U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to protect American personnel and interests across the region.”