As the new White House administration seeks to shift US policy concerning the Middle East, it has removed key military assets during a time in which military pressure is mounting from the Islamic Republic.
In what was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the Biden administration is moving military assets out of the Gulf region at a significant rate, according to a report this week. The removal of military interests from the region is reportedly for several reasons, including the refocusing on other regions of the world. However, there’s no question that the Biden administration has zero intentions of working with the Saudis like the former administration.
According to the report, the White House has “removed at least three Patriot antimissile batteries from the Gulf region, including one from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, that had been put in place in recent years to help protect American forces.”
Continuing, it revealed that more assets could soon be departing the region, saying, “Some capabilities, including an aircraft carrier and surveillance systems, are being diverted from the Middle East to answer military needs elsewhere around the globe…other reductions are under consideration.”
This move from the Biden administration comes when the Iranian-sponsored Houthi Rebels have been increasing their attacks on the Kingdom via ballistic missiles and explosive drones. They have often targeted Aramco oil facilities and civilian airports.
Despite the administration’s said commitment to building a relationship with the Saudis, removing these key military interests comes at a very compromising time.
