Regional
US exits Ain al-Asad base as Washington shifts to remote regional operations
After more than a decade in Iraq, the United States has begun scaling back its ground presence in the region, transferring control of key military installations to local authorities.
Iraq’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed that U.S. forces have withdrawn from the Ain al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq, with the Iraqi army now assuming full control of the strategic facility.
The move marks another step in Washington’s gradual drawdown of its on-the-ground military footprint in the Middle East.
U.S. officials have said the shift reflects a broader policy reassessment, stressing that large-scale ground deployments are no longer required to address regional security challenges.
They have reiterated that the United States does not intend to act as “the world’s policeman,” instead favoring more flexible and cost-effective approaches.
Under the revised strategy, the U.S. relies increasingly on remote monitoring, intelligence capabilities, and precision strikes, allowing it to track threats and respond rapidly without maintaining extensive troop deployments.
Officials say this approach enables Washington to protect its interests while reducing the risks and financial burden associated with prolonged ground operations.
Security analysts note that the strategy depends on a mix of targeted air operations, advanced surveillance, and coordination with regional partners to counter armed groups and manage cross-border threats.
The shift is also seen as a signal to regional actors, including Iran, that the United States retains the capability to detect hostile activity and respond decisively if necessary.
The withdrawal from Ain al-Asad and similar bases reflects a broader recalibration of the regional balance of power, aimed at sustaining U.S. influence while limiting direct military engagement. At the same time, Washington has moved to strengthen security cooperation with allied countries across the region.
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new leader, said on Thursday that Iran’s neighbors must close all U.S. bases on their territory, as Tehran will continue its attacks against them.
In his first statement, broadcast and read out by state television, Khamenei told the Iranian people: “I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs.”
He added: “The popular demand is to continue our effective defence and make the enemy regret! The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”
However, state television did not explain why Khamenei’s first remarks were read by a presenter rather than delivered in a video.
No images of him have yet been released since the strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei.
In these remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei also confirmed that his wife, sister, and other family members were killed.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says up to 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since the conflict that erupted on February 28, warning that the humanitarian situation is rapidly worsening.
In a statement released Thursday, the UN refugee agency said the figure is based on preliminary assessments of uprooted households and could rise further if hostilities continue.
“This number is likely to increase as fighting persists, signaling a troubling escalation in humanitarian needs,” UNHCR said.
The agency noted that many of the displaced have fled their homes in search of safety, often moving to nearby provinces or staying with relatives and host communities. Others have sought temporary shelter in public buildings and informal settlements, placing additional pressure on local resources.
Humanitarian organizations say the sudden movement of millions of people is creating urgent needs for shelter, food, medical care and basic services. Aid agencies are working with local authorities to assess conditions and deliver assistance to affected communities.
The displacement crisis comes amid broader regional instability that has raised concerns among international organizations about the potential for further population movements both inside Iran and across borders.
UNHCR said it is continuing to monitor developments closely and is coordinating with humanitarian partners to scale up assistance as the situation evolves.
Regional
Trump on Iran: We won, but don’t want to leave early
Trump has seesawed on Iran, crediting the U.S. military for significantly degrading Iran’s military but resisting a speedy end to the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that “we won” the Iran war but that the United States will stay in the fight to finish the job.
“You never like to say too early you won. We won,” Trump told a campaign-style rally in Hebron, Kentucky. “In the first hour it was over.”
He said the United States had knocked out 58 Iranian naval ships.
Trump has seesawed on Iran, crediting the U.S. military for significantly degrading Iran’s military but resisting a speedy end to the conflict.
“We don’t want to leave early do we?” Trump said. “We got to finish the job.”
He said the United States has “virtually destroyed Iran.” He seemed to signal that the United States would continue the fight for now.
“We don’t want to go back every two years,” he said.
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