Updated

The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon and US Central Command are considering a significant reduction of the American military footprint in the Gulf following damage sustained to bases during the war with Iran. Officials cited in the report described the moment as a "once-in-a-generation chance" to reassess US posture in the region. Among the options under discussion is not rebuilding some of the bases damaged in Iranian strikes. Any drawdown would represent a major shift in US regional defense arrangements at a time when Gulf states are facing direct attacks and are seeking security guarantees, and it comes as Washington and Tehran remain without scheduled negotiations.