Washington: The United States has reportedly evacuated hundreds of troops from bases in Qatar and Bahrain as tensions with Iran escalate. Citing anonymous Pentagon sources, The New York Times reported that American forces have been pulled from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the US Navy’s 5th Fleet base in Bahrain. However, US forces continue to be stationed in other parts of the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Anadolu Agency, this development comes as US President Donald Trump urged Iran to negotiate a “fair deal,” while criticizing its human rights record and expressing sympathy for the Iranian people. Trump emphasized the stark difference between the Iranian leaders and their citizens, implying a need for change. The president also announced a significant policy shift by imposing a 10% tariff on imports from all countries, a move that follows the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down most of his previous tariffs.

In related news, at least six people were killed and over 25 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa region, as reported by Lebanese media. The state-run National News Agency stated that the wounded were hospitalized across the region following intense airstrikes by Israeli warplanes. Explosions were heard across the eastern and western mountain ranges, further escalating tensions in the area.

The US military’s recent actions and diplomatic maneuvers are part of a broader strategy to navigate the current geopolitical landscape, with the administration balancing tariffs, trade policies, and international relations amid rising global tensions.