The Pentagon is assessing whether the United States should maintain a smaller military presence in the Persian Gulf after the Iran war, according to The Washington Post, citing eight current and former officials and people familiar with the discussions.

The assessment could influence whether Washington fully rebuilds U.S. bases damaged by Iranian strikes or instead modifies, relocates or reduces parts of its military infrastructure.

 **Important:** This is not yet a formal Pentagon review or an announced withdrawal plan. 

A Defense Department official described the work as **“prudent planning”** that could eventually inform decisions about rebuilding the damaged bases.