Odaily reported that U.S. President Donald Trump said there would be no bombing of Iran before the midterm elections, even as the United States continues to adjust its military posture in the Middle East.
According to the report, Washington is withdrawing some non-emergency personnel from Saudi Arabia, reducing troop levels at several bases in the region, and sending in additional carrier and amphibious forces. The U.S. State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia, saying the move is tied to attacks on Saudi civilian targets by the Iran-backed Houthis.
Separate reports said U.S. forces have quietly reduced troop levels in Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait in recent days. The Wall Street Journal said the United States is deploying another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, while a third carrier strike group is moving in from the Pacific. An amphibious assault ship carrying U.S. Marines is also being sent. If the added forces arrive and current vessels are not rotated out, the total number of U.S. naval vessels in the region is expected to exceed 24, up from about 20 now.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly continued to push for renewed large-scale strikes on Iran. Israel’s Channel 12, citing U.S. sources, said that earlier this week dozens of Israeli fighter jets and refueling aircraft flew over Syria and Iraq, approached the Iranian border, and turned back before entering Iranian airspace. The flight path was said to closely resemble a route for an attack on Iran. Israel described the operation as an exercise and a deterrent signal.
At the same time, Pakistan and Qatar are stepping up mediation efforts, but the talks have not produced a practical breakthrough. According to the report, the U.S. side wants discussions centered on Iran’s nuclear program, while Iran wants to first address reopening the Strait of Hormuz.