Iranian strikes decisive? US considers withdrawing forces and reducing activity in Kuwait

The US is considering reducing its military presence in Kuwait, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Pentagon was discussing limiting its presence even before the war with Iran, and since the strikes, a significant portion of forces have been evacuated. Kuwait fears the situation may become permanent, as the country has served as the largest logistics hub for the US military worldwide since the first Gulf War.

The United States is considering reducing its military presence in Kuwait, as reported today (Friday) by the Wall Street Journal. Official American sources told the newspaper that the Pentagon was discussing limiting the US military presence in the kingdom even before the outbreak of the war with Iran. Since the strikes against American military bases in the Gulf state began, a significant portion of the forces have indeed been evacuated to reduce the threat to them. Now, Kuwait fears the situation may become permanent. Since the first Gulf War, Kuwait has served as the largest logistics hub for the US military worldwide. The small country has become accustomed to the presence of thousands of American soldiers, Abrams tanks, and additional artillery. The newspaper also emphasized that the relationship between the two countries remains strong, with no signs that Kuwait will cease its reliance on its ally. However, the increased American presence in Kuwait exposed it to heightened risk during the war. Iran attacked Kuwait with hundreds of missiles and drones, focusing on its energy and desalination facilities, the international airport, and the port in the Persian Gulf, and also disrupted its oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. American-made air defense systems intercepted most of the Iranian barrages against the country. Nevertheless, American facilities suffered heavy fire, including an attack in March that killed six US soldiers. Douglas Silliman, former US ambassador to Kuwait, told the newspaper: "The strikes have caused people in Kuwait to view the American presence as a burden, but also as a vital necessity for the country's defense." Elizabeth Dent, a former senior Pentagon official, emphasized: "The real question is whether, if the war with Iran continues, an American presence of this scale still makes sense. For Kuwait, the danger is that Washington's commitment to its defense could erode if the Pentagon reduces its presence permanently."