Hundreds of U.S. troops have been evacuated from military bases in Qatar and Bahrain, Pentagon officials were reported to have said in the New York Times.
The Times added that the deployment of U.S. warships, fighter jets, bombers, drones, surveillance planes and air defense systems to the Middle East underscores that the Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of a war – and one that could stretch past 12 days.
“This looks like positioning for a much longer conflict,” said former senior Defense Department policy official Katherine Thompson of the Cato Institute. She said the Pentagon is seemingly “anticipating an Iranian response that could be a significant risk to American bases in the region,” adding, “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.”
During the 12-day war with Iran in 2025, Iran privately warned U.S. and Qatari officials before it launched a barrage of missiles at U.S. forces stationed at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base.
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President Donald Trump smiles on stage at the Al Udeid Air Base, during his visit to Qatar, 2025. Credit: Alex Brandon/AP
President Donald Trump smiles on stage at the Al Udeid Air Base, during his visit to Qatar, 2025. Credit: Alex Brandon/AP
In January, Qatari officials confirmed that “certain personnel” from its U.S. military base had evacuated, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbors that it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.