The Pentagon has announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from the Middle East as the Iran ceasefire agreement enters its third month with no major violations, marking the first significant de-escalation since hostilities began.
Withdrawal Details
- 5,000 troops returning to US bases
- Naval carrier group rotated out of Persian Gulf
- Air defense batteries removed from Saudi Arabia
- 12,000 US troops remain in region (down from 45,000 peak)
Oil prices dropped 8% on the news, with WTI crude falling below $70 for the first time since the conflict began. Defense analysts caution that a small provocation could reverse the drawdown quickly.
