The already volatile Middle East sees rising uncertainty following a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump announced on Wednesday that some American troops are withdrawing due to looming dangers in the region. This comes amid the faltering Iran-U.S. nuclear deal and mounting fears of Israeli strikes on Iran.
According to Reuters, based on U.S. and Iraqi sources, the U.S. has begun evacuating part of its embassy in Iraq and advised military families in surrounding areas to leave the Middle East for safety reasons.
Israel Could Target Iran's Nuclear Sites
Last month, classified intelligence indicated Israel's potential plans to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. CNN reported through U.S. officials that if the Iran-U.S. nuclear agreement fails and Iran persists with uranium enrichment, an Israeli assault is possible.
This intelligence seems credible now as the U.S. commences withdrawing troops and diplomats from areas around Iran.
Western nations suspect Iran of developing nuclear weapons, despite Iran's firm denial, claiming its nuclear ambitions are strictly for civilian purposes.
As early as April, Trump warned Iran that without a nuclear deal, 'bombing will occur, unlike anything Iran has ever experienced.'
Following this threat, Trump has been progressively retracting troops and diplomats from the Middle East. But is it truly easy for the U.S. to exit from this region? The Middle East has long been pivotal to American foreign policy with thousands of troops and billions of dollars invested.
Where Are U.S. Troops Stationed in the Middle East?
For decades, the U.S. has maintained military presence in the Middle East, with the largest base, Al Udeid Air Base, located in Qatar since 1996.
The Council on Foreign Relations reports that by October 2024, approximately 40,000 U.S. troops were stationed in the Middle East. Besides Qatar, thousands are deployed in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In Syria's northeast, the U.S. holds a base with around 2,000 soldiers. Over 2,500 American troops operate in Iraq, actively combating Islamic State terrorists and local insurgents.
U.S. forces are also stationed in Jordan, collaborating with local forces in various exercises and modern training programs.
Moreover, two American aircraft carriers are strategically positioned, each capable of transporting thousands of troops and numerous aircraft across the Middle East.
U.S. Investments in the Middle East
The U.S. has heavily invested in the Middle East, particularly with its steadfast allies—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Starting with Saudi Arabia, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported $11.3 billion in direct foreign investment there in 2023.
In Qatar, the U.S. invested $2.5 billion in 2023, with interests spanning energy, petrochemicals, construction, engineering, and IT sectors.
Regarding the UAE, American FDI was $16.1 billion in 2023, targeting manufacturing, finance, insurance, construction, wholesale, and retail sectors.
The Largest Arms Supplier to Gulf Nations
The United States stands as the principal arms supplier to the Gulf nations. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Saudi Arabia remains the top buyer of American arms, acquiring 12% of total U.S. arms exports from 2020-2024. Saudi Arabia purchases 74% of its imported weapons from the U.S.
Qatar is another major client of U.S. military sales. In March, Qatar sealed a $2 billion arms pact with the U.S., which included long-range surveillance drones, hundreds of missiles, and bombs.
The defense relationship between the U.S. and the UAE is equally robust, with 42% of UAE's weapon imports originating from the United States.
