February
21, 2026
US evacuates troops from Gulf bases as Iran warns of retaliation, rejects nuclear transfer, and tensions edge toward possible confrontation.
US evacuates troops from Gulf bases as Iran warns of retaliation, rejects nuclear transfer, and tensions edge toward possible confrontation.
Key Developments
The United States has reportedly evacuated hundreds of troops from major Gulf installations, including Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and facilities in Bahrain, as tensions with Iran intensify.
According to The New York Times, citing anonymous Pentagon officials, American personnel were pulled from Al Udeid — the largest US military base in the Middle East — and from Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
Al Udeid hosts roughly 10,000 US troops and serves as a central command hub for American operations across West Asia. Bahrain functions as the operational heart of US naval power in the Persian Gulf.
Although US forces remain stationed in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, the targeted evacuation is being widely interpreted as a precautionary measure ahead of possible US military action against Iran.
US Central Command has not publicly commented on the reported withdrawals.
The timing is significant. US President Donald Trump recently confirmed he is “considering” a limited military strike to pressure Tehran into concessions on its nuclear program. American media reports suggest planning has reached “advanced stages,” though no final decision has been announced.
‘Legitimate Targets’
Iran’s response has been swift and unequivocal.
In a formal letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the presidency of the UN Security Council, Iran’s permanent mission warned that in the event of aggression, “all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.”
The letter further stated that the “United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.”
The warning signals that any US strike would not be confined to a bilateral exchange. Instead, Tehran appears prepared to expand retaliation across the region, targeting American infrastructure and military presence in multiple countries.
Iran has also conducted visible defensive preparations. Satellite imagery shows fortification activity around nuclear facilities, while Iranian naval forces have carried out exercises near the Strait of Hormuz — the maritime artery through which approximately 20 percent of global oil flows.
Iranian officials have previously warned that the Strait could become a pressure point in the event of war.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reinforced the deterrent message, stating that Iran possesses capabilities capable of overwhelming American naval power in the region.
No ‘Zero Enrichment’
Parallel to the military tension, nuclear negotiations continue — but Tehran has drawn firm red lines.
A senior Iranian diplomatic source told ISNA news agency that enriched nuclear materials “will not be transferred outside the country,” emphasizing that retaining nuclear material within Iran is a “fundamental issue.”
The source added that while Russia has expressed readiness to accept Iranian nuclear material for external storage, Moscow understands Tehran’s refusal to remove it from Iranian territory.
Crucially, the source confirmed that the concept of “zero enrichment” has effectively collapsed in Geneva discussions.
According to the Iranian account, US negotiators have moved away from demanding complete suspension and are instead discussing technical parameters — including enrichment levels, centrifuge numbers, and monitoring mechanisms.
Iran signaled that enrichment levels could be reduced if a comprehensive agreement is reached, but enrichment itself remains non-negotiable.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has repeatedly emphasized that “there is no military solution” to Iran’s nuclear program, describing diplomacy as the only viable path forward. At the same time, he has warned that Iran is prepared to defend itself.
War Planning
While diplomatic channels remain open in Muscat and Geneva under Omani mediation, the scale of US military deployments suggests preparation for broader contingencies.
Recent reports from Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Reuters indicate that US reinforcements include stealth fighter aircraft, air-defense systems, additional naval assets, and logistical support platforms.
Some analysts cited in Western media argue that the current deployment posture exceeds what would be necessary for a symbolic or one-off strike.
Israeli media have also reported heightened readiness. According to Israeli outlets, security officials are preparing for possible coordinated action with Washington, with some commentators warning that “the zero hour is approaching.”
At the same time, internal divisions reportedly persist within the US administration.
Axios quoted a senior US official saying the president “has not yet decided,” highlighting uncertainty even among close advisers. Reuters reported that some White House aides are urging caution, particularly given domestic political calculations ahead of midterm elections.
Congress is reportedly considering measures to limit the president’s authority to initiate military action without legislative approval.
Regional Fallout
The evacuation of US forces from select bases underscores a broader concern among Gulf states: that they may become immediate targets in any confrontation.
Countries hosting American bases — including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE — face the prospect of Iranian retaliation if US forces launch strikes from their territory.
Iran maintains one of the region’s most extensive missile and drone arsenals, with reported ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometers. During previous escalations, Tehran has demonstrated the ability to strike US positions in Iraq and target regional adversaries.
Iran’s military doctrine includes what it describes as a “mosaic defense” strategy — decentralizing command structures to ensure continuity in the event of leadership strikes.
Western analysts have warned that even a limited US strike could trigger a chain reaction involving Iranian missile launches, attacks on maritime shipping, actions by allied groups across the region, and potential disruption of global energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to these calculations. Closure or even partial disruption could have immediate global economic repercussions.
Diplomacy and Deterrence
Despite the sharp rhetoric and troop movements, diplomatic channels remain active.
Negotiations in Geneva reportedly produced agreement on certain “guiding principles,” though substantial gaps remain. Tehran insists that sanctions relief must accompany any nuclear constraints, while Washington seeks long-term guarantees limiting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
Iran has also signaled openness to confidence-building measures, provided its sovereignty and technological achievements are respected.
Meanwhile, the UN has urged both sides to continue diplomacy. A UN spokesperson expressed concern over “heightened rhetoric” and “increased military activities” across the region.
The juxtaposition is stark: troop evacuation on one side, draft proposals on the other.
Whether the withdrawal from Al Udeid and Bahrain reflects defensive prudence or preparation for escalation remains unclear.
What is evident is that the Persian Gulf has once again become a fault line between deterrence and diplomacy — with regional capitals bracing for consequences that could extend far beyond a single strike.
Though a major regional war would offer little strategic benefit to either the United States or Iran, regional analysts argue that Israel could stand to gain strategically from such an escalation — particularly if it results in degrading Iran’s missile capabilities, weakening its regional allies, or drawing Washington more deeply into a sustained confrontation with Tehran.
- Hundreds of US troops reportedly evacuated from Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and from Bahrain.
- Withdrawal seen as precaution amid possible US strike planning against Iran.
- Iran warned the UN that all US regional bases would be “legitimate targets” if attacked.
- Tehran insists enriched nuclear material will remain inside Iran and rejects “zero enrichment.”
- Trump is weighing military options while negotiations continue in Geneva and Muscat.
- Massive US military buildup and Israeli readiness signal heightened risk of escalation.
The United States has reportedly evacuated hundreds of troops from major Gulf installations, including Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and facilities in Bahrain, as tensions with Iran intensify.
According to The New York Times, citing anonymous Pentagon officials, American personnel were pulled from Al Udeid — the largest US military base in the Middle East — and from Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
Al Udeid hosts roughly 10,000 US troops and serves as a central command hub for American operations across West Asia. Bahrain functions as the operational heart of US naval power in the Persian Gulf.
Although US forces remain stationed in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, the targeted evacuation is being widely interpreted as a precautionary measure ahead of possible US military action against Iran.
US Central Command has not publicly commented on the reported withdrawals.
The timing is significant. US President Donald Trump recently confirmed he is “considering” a limited military strike to pressure Tehran into concessions on its nuclear program. American media reports suggest planning has reached “advanced stages,” though no final decision has been announced.
‘Legitimate Targets’
Iran’s response has been swift and unequivocal.
In a formal letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the presidency of the UN Security Council, Iran’s permanent mission warned that in the event of aggression, “all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.”
The letter further stated that the “United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.”
The warning signals that any US strike would not be confined to a bilateral exchange. Instead, Tehran appears prepared to expand retaliation across the region, targeting American infrastructure and military presence in multiple countries.
Iran has also conducted visible defensive preparations. Satellite imagery shows fortification activity around nuclear facilities, while Iranian naval forces have carried out exercises near the Strait of Hormuz — the maritime artery through which approximately 20 percent of global oil flows.
Iranian officials have previously warned that the Strait could become a pressure point in the event of war.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reinforced the deterrent message, stating that Iran possesses capabilities capable of overwhelming American naval power in the region.
No ‘Zero Enrichment’
Parallel to the military tension, nuclear negotiations continue — but Tehran has drawn firm red lines.
A senior Iranian diplomatic source told ISNA news agency that enriched nuclear materials “will not be transferred outside the country,” emphasizing that retaining nuclear material within Iran is a “fundamental issue.”
The source added that while Russia has expressed readiness to accept Iranian nuclear material for external storage, Moscow understands Tehran’s refusal to remove it from Iranian territory.
Crucially, the source confirmed that the concept of “zero enrichment” has effectively collapsed in Geneva discussions.
According to the Iranian account, US negotiators have moved away from demanding complete suspension and are instead discussing technical parameters — including enrichment levels, centrifuge numbers, and monitoring mechanisms.
Iran signaled that enrichment levels could be reduced if a comprehensive agreement is reached, but enrichment itself remains non-negotiable.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has repeatedly emphasized that “there is no military solution” to Iran’s nuclear program, describing diplomacy as the only viable path forward. At the same time, he has warned that Iran is prepared to defend itself.
War Planning
While diplomatic channels remain open in Muscat and Geneva under Omani mediation, the scale of US military deployments suggests preparation for broader contingencies.
Recent reports from Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Reuters indicate that US reinforcements include stealth fighter aircraft, air-defense systems, additional naval assets, and logistical support platforms.
Some analysts cited in Western media argue that the current deployment posture exceeds what would be necessary for a symbolic or one-off strike.
Israeli media have also reported heightened readiness. According to Israeli outlets, security officials are preparing for possible coordinated action with Washington, with some commentators warning that “the zero hour is approaching.”
At the same time, internal divisions reportedly persist within the US administration.
Axios quoted a senior US official saying the president “has not yet decided,” highlighting uncertainty even among close advisers. Reuters reported that some White House aides are urging caution, particularly given domestic political calculations ahead of midterm elections.
Congress is reportedly considering measures to limit the president’s authority to initiate military action without legislative approval.
Regional Fallout
The evacuation of US forces from select bases underscores a broader concern among Gulf states: that they may become immediate targets in any confrontation.
Countries hosting American bases — including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE — face the prospect of Iranian retaliation if US forces launch strikes from their territory.
Iran maintains one of the region’s most extensive missile and drone arsenals, with reported ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometers. During previous escalations, Tehran has demonstrated the ability to strike US positions in Iraq and target regional adversaries.
Iran’s military doctrine includes what it describes as a “mosaic defense” strategy — decentralizing command structures to ensure continuity in the event of leadership strikes.
Western analysts have warned that even a limited US strike could trigger a chain reaction involving Iranian missile launches, attacks on maritime shipping, actions by allied groups across the region, and potential disruption of global energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to these calculations. Closure or even partial disruption could have immediate global economic repercussions.
Diplomacy and Deterrence
Despite the sharp rhetoric and troop movements, diplomatic channels remain active.
Negotiations in Geneva reportedly produced agreement on certain “guiding principles,” though substantial gaps remain. Tehran insists that sanctions relief must accompany any nuclear constraints, while Washington seeks long-term guarantees limiting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
Iran has also signaled openness to confidence-building measures, provided its sovereignty and technological achievements are respected.
Meanwhile, the UN has urged both sides to continue diplomacy. A UN spokesperson expressed concern over “heightened rhetoric” and “increased military activities” across the region.
The juxtaposition is stark: troop evacuation on one side, draft proposals on the other.
Whether the withdrawal from Al Udeid and Bahrain reflects defensive prudence or preparation for escalation remains unclear.
What is evident is that the Persian Gulf has once again become a fault line between deterrence and diplomacy — with regional capitals bracing for consequences that could extend far beyond a single strike.
Though a major regional war would offer little strategic benefit to either the United States or Iran, regional analysts argue that Israel could stand to gain strategically from such an escalation — particularly if it results in degrading Iran’s missile capabilities, weakening its regional allies, or drawing Washington more deeply into a sustained confrontation with Tehran.
No comments:
Post a Comment