Nearly six months after the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28, the conflict remains active despite numerous ceasefire efforts. Initially projected by Washington to last between four and six weeks, the war has persisted for five months and 21 days. Throughout the campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, US officials frequently adjusted their timelines, describing the progress as being “ahead of schedule” or stating that the military engagement would continue “as long as necessary.”
The initial US-Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of Iran’s longtime supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, much of the country’s senior military leadership, and hundreds of civilians. Iran responded immediately by asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz and launching persistent missile and drone strikes across the Gulf. These retaliatory actions have significantly impacted regional stability and caused notable damage to infrastructure, including radar systems, air defense installations, hangars, fuel depots, communication networks, and aircraft.
The human and financial toll of the conflict has been substantial. Official estimates suggest that US war costs will reach $37.5 billion by the end of September 2026. Military casualties include approximately 18 confirmed deaths and between 600 and 900 personnel wounded. Furthermore, the US has sustained significant equipment losses, including dozens of drones and several fighter jets and tankers, during more than 13,000 attacks carried out by Iran since the beginning of the year.
In response to the vulnerability of its regional assets, the Pentagon is now conducting a reassessment of its military footprint in the Middle East. According to reports citing eight individuals familiar with the matter, the damage inflicted on US bases has created a rare opportunity for officials to reconsider the long-term regional posture. Some officials have indicated that certain damaged facilities may not be rebuilt in their previous form.
The review is currently being led by the Pentagon’s policy office, in coordination with the Joint Staff and US Central Command. A senior Pentagon official clarified that while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not ordered a formal review, the process is considered “prudent planning” to guide future decisions regarding the restoration of damaged infrastructure. Decisions regarding these assets are becoming increasingly necessary as the conflict continues.
US Central Command typically maintains a force of approximately 40,000 troops across nearly 20 sites, ranging from Jordan to Oman. The largest concentrations of these forces are located in the Gulf, including the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and major Army and Air Force installations in countries such as Kuwait. Admiral Bradley Cooper, the head of US Central Command, is among those involved in discussions regarding a potential shift of US troops westward away from the Gulf.
Former diplomat Michael Ratney, who previously served as the US envoy to Saudi Arabia and deputy chief of mission in Qatar, noted that the war has highlighted the inherent vulnerability of US forces in the region. He suggested that redeploying personnel and equipment toward Jordan, Israel, or the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia could alleviate pressure, though he acknowledged that such a move is not a “perfect solution to this problem.”
The ongoing deliberations are expected to intensify internal debates within the administration. Some factions continue to support robust military intervention, while others argue that the Pentagon should curtail security commitments to better focus on defending the US homeland or deterring more powerful adversaries like China. This strategic tension persists even as the US continues to maintain a significant presence of warships, fighter aircraft, and air defense systems in the region.
Diplomatic efforts have struggled to contain the violence. Although the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June through Qatari and Pakistani mediation—which included a 60-day window for negotiations—hostilities have not ceased. Talks have largely stalled due to disputes over the implementation of the agreement and the management of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy exports. As of now, missiles and drones continue to transit the region, underscoring the fragility of the current situation. The report also notes that five months and 21 days later, the war — although at a low intensity — continues despite repeated ceasefire attempts. The report also notes that the US news outlet added that one of the key areas the Defense Department is assessing is whether to pull back troops from the Gulf, “where America’s large overseas military bases have been battered by months of Iranian. The report also notes that the war really did highlight the vulnerability.