U.S. Reduces Middle East Troop Presence Amid Rising Regional Threats

U.S. military officials told CBS News that the United States is quietly reducing its footprint at several Middle East posts in response to ongoing threats from Iran-backed Houthi militants and direct threats from Iran. Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said the moves are intended to "optimize mission readiness" and that forces remain "vigilant and ready to protect American personnel and interests across the region," while declining to discuss operational details for security reasons.

The State Department has placed U.S. embassies in the region under a "restricted operations" status, ordering non-essential personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia because of the heightened risk. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the safety of department staff is the highest priority.

Saudi officials reported a deadly attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam that killed one person and injured eight, adding that the airport has been repeatedly targeted by Houthi projectiles. The Saudi energy ministry also said debris from an intercepted drone over an oil facility near the UAE border killed two workers, a Filipino and a Nepali.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect negotiations over a seven-day cease-fire proposal are ongoing, though President Trump rejected the original plan last month and is seeking additional clauses. Araghchi warned that if the United States chooses war over diplomacy, it would face a "greater strategic failure."

In related developments, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions on a Panamanian-Greek law firm for alleged involvement in Iran's shadow-fleet shipping operations, and Iranian officials threatened to target undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz if U.S. strikes continue.

U.S. diplomatic missions across the Middle East have issued new security alerts urging American citizens to remain vigilant amid the escalating hostilities.