First U.S. Step Toward a Middle East Drawdown as Iran Talks Continue

The 157th Air Refueling Wing of the New Hampshire Air National Guard has returned to the United States after several months deployed in the Middle East, according to U.S. media reports. The move may signal the start of a limited U.S. force reduction in the region as talks between Washington and Tehran continue.

The unit, which includes the 133rd and 46th Air Refueling Squadrons and flies KC-46A Pegasus tankers, was sent to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in February. During the fighting, it carried out hundreds of refueling missions for American fighter jets operating against targets in Iran.

A New Hampshire Air National Guard spokesman confirmed the return of the personnel to their home base over the weekend but gave no further details, saying, “For operational security reasons, we are unable to comment further at this time.” U.S. footage showed members of the wing arriving home after nearly four months of deployment, and reports said all personnel and associated equipment were withdrawn from Centcom’s area.

Even so, the American military presence in the Middle East remains substantial, with U.S. refueling, fighter, transport, and other forces still deployed. The wing reportedly operated from Gulf bases, especially Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. There is no official sign yet that U.S. tanker aircraft stationed in Israel have begun to leave, but analysts expect further reductions could follow if diplomatic efforts produce an agreement.

The talks are continuing in an effort to reach understandings aimed at reducing regional tensions. Key issues include freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from advancing toward nuclear weapons. In Israel, critics say the negotiations still fail to adequately address Iran’s missile force and the proxy groups backed by Tehran.