Washington Reduces Staff at Gulf Embassies as Trump Threatens "Another Little Epic Fury" Against Iran

The United States is reducing its diplomatic presence across the Gulf. Israeli daily Ynet reported that Washington ordered non-essential staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia and is quietly cutting staff at embassies in six more countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Citing CNN, Ynet added that Israel has pressed Washington to resume strikes on Iran sooner, so far without success. Russian state broadcaster RT reported that the Pentagon is reportedly moving troops out of regional bases.

The State Department gives a narrower reason for the move. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott tied the Saudi departure order to attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement, which is allied with Iran, on Saudi airports and other infrastructure. US personnel now need special permission to use any Saudi airport, CNN reported. Saudi Arabia intercepted another Houthi missile as Trump threatened new strikes, Investing.com reported.

Trump has said he will not strike Iran before the congressional elections. According to The Atlantic, as relayed by Iran International, he is weighing a multi-day campaign after the vote. Possible targets include nuclear sites, missile and drone capacity, and energy infrastructure, and no decision has been made. Tehran has answered with a threat of its own. Mohsen Rezaei, whom the Malaysian Chinese-language daily Guang Ming identified as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Iran would hit oil facilities, undersea cables, data centers and artificial-intelligence sites in seven Gulf states if the United States and Israel attack again.

The Israeli front is also active. Globes reported that two Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting near the Yehuda junction in the West Bank. Israeli defense officials warned that public statements could lead Tehran to misread intentions. The same report said Tehran considers a confrontation certain and expects that it could begin before Israelis vote in their election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a major offensive in the West Bank.