US to scale back military presence in Middle East after Iran deal

WASHINGTON, United States — A US official said the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran envisages a reduction in American troops in the Middle East once a final agreement is signed, CNN reported. The official said the deal includes cuts to regional forces and described it as a "memorandum we can assume is possible." The United States has significantly expanded its military footprint in the region since February, but hopes to scale it back, the official added. Iranian state television announced early Monday that a peace deal had been reached with Washington that aims to end the war. US President Donald Trump confirmed the agreement on Truth Social, saying he had given full authorization for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened fully with no transit fees and for the US naval blockade to be lifted immediately. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the United States and Iran for their commitment to a diplomatic solution, expressing gratitude to Qatar for its support and to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their contributions.