Washington, DC, February 22: The United States has commenced the strategic movement of military personnel stationed at various installations across the Middle East for undisclosed missions. This redeployment comes amidst growing anxieties regarding a potential direct military conflict with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, a recent disclosure from The New York Times indicates that hundreds of servicemen have been transferred from the Al Udeid base in Qatar, according to information provided by Pentagon officials. Similar logistical shifts have been identified across a network of American facilities in Bahrain, the headquarters of the Navy's 5th Fleet, as well as in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. ‘We Will Not Bow’: Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian Calls for Unity as Tehran Blacklists EU Forces, Signals Defiance Amid Nuclear Talks With US.

Government officials are reportedly apprehensive that the 30,000 to 40,000 US troops currently deployed within the region could serve as the primary target of the Islamic Republic in the event of an all-out war. Military experts consulted on the matter suggested that such a confrontation would differ drastically from the strike on Al Udeid in June 2025, during which Iranian authorities provided the US with advance notice.

The Jerusalem Post highlighted a stern warning from the Iranian mission to the UN, which stated that, in case of an American attack, ''all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.''

In light of these threats, the US is reportedly augmenting its regional posture by shifting air defence systems into the Middle East to safeguard its forces and interests.

This defensive buildup accompanies a decision to maintain two aircraft carriers at a significant distance from Iranian territory to ensure they do not become easy targets for retaliation. The Jerusalem Post noted that these manoeuvres reflect a high level of preparedness for a potentially prolonged engagement. US-Iran Tensions Escalate: Donald Trump Considers Strategic Strikes While Abbas Araghchi Warns Tehran is ‘Ready for War’.

While the Trump administration officially remains dedicated to seeking a diplomatic resolution to the standoff, several insiders believe that current offers from Tehran are not enough to deter US President Donald Trump from initiating military strikes. The Jerusalem Post further indicated that internal planning has become increasingly granular and ambitious as the President has recently floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)

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