{
  "id": 8319099,
  "title": "Pentagon weighs changes to US 'force posture' in Middle East and Europe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/pentagon-weighs-changes-to-us-force-posture-in-middle-east-and-europe-8319099",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T21:46:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2026/09/18/pentagon-weighs-changes-to-us-force-posture-in-middle-east-and-europe/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Pentagon is contemplating substantial modifications to its force positioning in Europe and the Middle East, following President Donald Trump's administration's emphasis on increased ally involvement in these regions within the National Defence Strategy. This shift is aimed at redirecting US resources towards China and South American drug cartels. Over 18 US servicemembers have been killed in the Middle East, particularly during the Iranian war, which led to significant damage at US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan.\n\nThe Pentagon has yet to decide on the future posture of its bases and troop levels in these regions, and whether allies will contribute to the construction costs. The US typically maintains around 40,000 personnel in the region. A Pentagon official mentioned that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not yet ordered a formal review of force posture in the Middle East.\n\nReports suggest the Pentagon may redeploy troops away from the Gulf and send MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to South America to bolster counternarcotics efforts. Pentagon officials are considering withdrawing approximately 25,000 troops from Europe, a move that would concern European and Nato officials facing a more assertive Russia. Currently, there are about 80,000 US troops stationed in Europe.\n\nSenator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure US diplomats participate in the Pentagon-led review of America's military presence in Europe. The State Department, traditionally involved in such reviews, claims diplomats have been consulted, refuting Shaheen's claims. European leaders have expressed concerns about hybrid threats from Russia, which could undermine security if left unchecked.",
  "summary": "The Pentagon is considering big changes to how it positions its forces in Europe and the Middle East, as it weighs what could amount to a major military shake-up. President Donald Trump's administration made clear in this year's National Defence Strategy that it wants allies to do more in Europe and the Middle East so the US can focus on China and the Western Hemisphere, where Washington is…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Pentagon weighs changes to US 'force posture' in Middle East and Europe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/pentagon-weighs-changes-to-us-force-posture-in-middle-east-and-europe",
        "published": "2026-09-18T21:46:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}