US President Donald Trump has suggested he is considering winding down military operations in the Middle East, even as the United States deploys three additional amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 more Marines to the region. In a social media post on Friday, Trump said, 'We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East.'
The comments came amid an Iranian threat to attack recreational and tourist sites worldwide, issued by Iran’s top military spokesperson, General Abolfazl Shekarchi. He warned that 'parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations' globally would not be safe for Iran’s enemies. The threat has raised concerns that Tehran may resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.
The US deployment brings the total number of American troops in the region to over 55,000. This follows a previous deployment of another 2,500 Marines from the Pacific. The moves appear at odds with Trump’s hint at de-escalation, as his administration also requested an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund the war.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues unabated. Israel reported that Iran fired missiles early on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted 20 drones in its eastern region, home to major oil installations. Israeli airstrikes also hit Tehran during the Persian New Year celebrations. The war has caused significant casualties: over 1,300 in Iran, 15 in Israel, four in the occupied West Bank, and at least 13 US military members killed.
Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude trading at around $106 per barrel, up from roughly $70 before the conflict began. In a move to curb rising fuel costs, the Trump administration announced it would lift sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded on ships, effective until April 19.
