DUBAI: The United States has evacuated hundreds of troops from key bases in Qatar and Bahrain as a precautionary measure amid escalating tensions with Iran, The New York Times reported. Personnel were redeployed from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East hosting around 10,000 troops, and from facilities associated with the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
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US officials said the move is primarily a contingency measure to reduce exposure in the event of sudden escalation, rather than a signal of imminent conflict. American forces remain stationed across bases in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE.
Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal.
— Badr Albusaidi – بدر البوسعيدي (@badralbusaidi) February 22, 2026
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with US negotiators ready to meet Iranian officials in Geneva on Thursday under Omani mediation, provided Tehran submits a detailed proposal for a nuclear deal. Abbas Araghchi confirmed that both sides are expected at the talks, stating there is a “good chance” for a diplomatic solution, while Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi described the talks as a “positive push to go the extra mile.”
US envoy Steve Witkoff noted that President Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not “capitulated” under US military pressure, despite warnings of severe consequences if a deal is not reached within 15 days.
In response, Iran’s Ground Forces Commander Ali Jahanshahi stated that Iranian forces are monitoring “enemy” movements continuously, asserting that Tehran will prevent any hostile action. Iranian officials reiterated that differences persist with the US over sanctions relief, though Tehran has offered opportunities for investment in its oil sector while refusing to cede control over national resources.
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The troop withdrawal highlights Washington’s dual approach of maintaining military readiness while pursuing diplomatic channels to resolve disagreements over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, amid one of the region’s highest periods of tension in recent years.