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After the war with Iran, America is considering reducing its military presence in the Persian Gulf. According to the Washington Post report, the Pentagon is reviewing whether there is a need to keep as many American troops in the Gulf countries as before.
The main reason for this is the huge damage caused to American military bases in the war. According to the report, more than 200 American military facilities have been damaged or destroyed during this period. At present, America keeps about 40 thousand soldiers deployed at about 20 military bases spread from Jordan to Oman.
However, no final decision has been taken on this yet. The Pentagon, the Joint Staff and the US Central Command are together assessing what the US military deployment should be like in the Middle East after the war.
America’s largest military bases in the Gulf
The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is headquartered in Bahrain. America has large military bases in Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf countries.
America has been conducting its military operations in the Middle East through these military bases for many decades and has been helping in the security of the allied countries in the region.
Strategy changed after Iranian attacks
During the war with Iran, many US military bases came under missile and drone attacks. In March, 6 American soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base in Kuwait.
According to the report, more than 200 American military facilities were damaged in the war. A total of 18 American soldiers have died during this period.
To defend against Iran’s attacks, the US Army had to fire more than 1000 air defense interceptor missiles. This increased the pressure on the missile reserves of air defense systems like Patriot and Thaad. American officials believe that it is necessary to reconsider the deployment of troops and military equipment to reduce the risk of such attacks in the future.
Consideration of sending troops to another place
Many proposals are currently under discussion in the Pentagon. In these, it has been suggested to deploy some troops and military equipment from Gulf countries near the Red Sea coast of Jordan, Israel or Saudi Arabia.
Officials believe these areas may be relatively safe from direct missile and drone access from Iran.
Differences regarding strategy in Trump government
According to the report, there are different opinions even within the Trump government regarding the deployment of troops.
One side wants America to reduce its military presence in the Middle East and use more resources on domestic security and competition with China.
The other side believes that it is necessary to maintain a strong American military presence in the Gulf countries and Israel, so that America’s influence remains in the region.
There is also a proposal to increase military presence in Israel
A proposal also calls for sending troops and military equipment from some Gulf countries including Kuwait to Israel’s Ovda airbase.
However, this proposal is also facing opposition within the administration. Some officials say that increasing US military presence in Israel could increase the threat to the security of sensitive intelligence information.
Gulf countries will also be affected
If America withdraws a large number of its troops from the Gulf countries, its biggest impact will be on the security infrastructure there. Also, the security equations of the entire Middle East may also change.
For decades, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and other Gulf states have depended on the US military presence for their security. Due to reduction in the number of troops, these countries may have to increase their military capacity or look for new security partners.
However, reducing the number of American troops will not mean that the security relations between the two sides will end. Arrangements like arms procurement, intelligence sharing and military cooperation can continue as before.
Estimated to cost Rs 3.6 lakh till September
The Pentagon estimates that by the end of September, America’s expenditure on the Iran war could reach $ 37.5 billion (about Rs 3.6 lakh crore).
This estimate does not include the cost of rebuilding damaged military bases. Therefore, America is now not only considering their repair, but is also deciding whether all the bases should be rebuilt in their original place or some should be shifted to other places.
Why did America build military bases in Gulf countries?
1. To secure the supply of oil and gas: A large part of the world gets oil and gas from the Persian Gulf. America wants that there should be no obstruction in these sea routes.
2. To keep an eye on Iran’s activities: Relations between the United States and Iran have been tense since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Military bases in the Gulf help the US keep an eye on Iran’s military activities.
3. For the security of allied countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain have long been strategic partners of the US. American military bases are an important part of the security system of these countries.
4. For military operations in the Middle East: America has used these military bases in operations against Iraq, Afghanistan and ISIS.
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