U.S.–Saudi Strategic Relations and the Prospect of Redeploying U.S. Forces from Europe to the Gulf

Col. Zafer Mourad

There is a growing discussion about whether Trump’s administration might reduce U.S. troops in Europe and move some forces to Saudi Arabia. This idea gained momentum after the U.S. started pulling back some troops from Romania in October 2025. The Guardian wrote that this was “the beginning of a strategic drawdown” in Europe.

1- What Happened in Europe Recently?

• In October 2025, the U.S. began withdrawing parts of the 101st Airborne Division from Romania.
• NATO and European officials were worried. At a meeting in The Hague on November 2025, the EU defense chief “Andrius Kubilius” asked the U.S. to coordinate any troop reduction because they believe that Russia is still a major threat.
• General Christopher Cavoli, the top NATO commander, in an interview with Reuters in April 2025, said that the U.S. should maintain its current military presence in Europe.

2- Why the U.S. Might Move More Forces to Saudi Arabia?

• Even with the concerns in Europe, there are good reasons why Trump’s administration might send more forces to Saudi Arabia; Trump’s approach is transactional, and Saudi Arabia is willing to invest a lot of money in security and U.S. weapons, so this fits Trump’s style. Furthermore, between 2024-2025, U.S. and Saudi Arabia discussed a new defense agreement: more U.S. access to Prince Sultan Air Base, air and missile defense cooperation, and possibility of rotational U.S. forces inside Saudi Arabia.
• After the 2019 attack on Saudi oil facilities, the U.S. sent about 3,000 troops to the Kingdom in a few weeks. This shows that the U.S. has the ability and experience to shift forces fast when needed.

3- Why is a Big Transfer from Europe NOT Likely?

• Even if Trump wants a stronger presence in Saudi Arabia, a large movement of U.S. forces from Europe is still unlikely because of several strong limits
• NATO still depends on the U.S., Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at the 2024 Munich Security Conference, American troops in Europe are the backbone of our defense, and removing too many troops could weaken NATO and encourage Russia.
• Saudi Arabia prefers rotational and non-permanent bases, which are smaller and more flexible, since the country wants American support, but big permanent U.S. bases can be politically sensitive inside the Kingdom, and Saudi leaders prefer rotational deployments.

4- What Is the Most Likely Future?

Based on all the evidence:

• Small or moderate cuts in Europe may happen.
• More U.S. rotational troops may go to Saudi Arabia, especially air-defense and intelligence units.
• No full relocation of big American bases from Europe to Saudi Arabia.
• The change will be limited and not dramatic.

The Trump administration’s decision to deploy U.S. troops and military assets to Saudi Arabia was mainly a Strategic move to protect American interests in the Middle East, and the decision if it happens, will reflect Trump’s strategy of “pressure on Iran + strong Gulf partnership” while still trying to reduce America’s long-term costs and responsibilities overseas.