# America Shouldn’t Let Go of the Middle East

> U.S. must rethink Middle East strategy after Iran war to avoid costly disengagement.
- Title: America Shouldn’t Let Go of the Middle East · Foreign Affairs
- Summary: U.S. must rethink Middle East strategy after Iran war to avoid costly disengagement. U.S. should defend narrower core interests in Middle East with smaller…
- Keywords: iran, middle east, u.s. military, energy security, nuclear proliferation, regional stability, strait of hormuz, geopolitical strategy, world, politics, America, Shouldn
- Source: Foreign Affairs — https://foreignaffairs.com/iran/america-shouldnt-let-go-middle-east-phil-gordon
- Author: Philip H. Gordon
- Published: 2026-10-12T08:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: iran, middle east, u.s. military, energy security, nuclear proliferation, regional stability, strait of hormuz, geopolitical strategy, world, politics
## U.S. Middle East Policy
U.S. presidents from Clinton to Biden have repeatedly promised to focus on other regions but ended up entangled in Middle East conflicts.

> Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.
## Iran War Debate
Michael Fuchs argues U.S. should withdraw from Middle East to end its role as guarantor of regional order after Iran war.

> end its role as guarantor of regional order
## Cost of Past Wars
Afghanistan and Iraq wars cost at least $2 trillion each and thousands of U.S. lives with little to show for it.

> cost at least $2 trillion each
## Military Vulnerability
U.S. bases in Middle East are vulnerable to Iranian drones and missiles, offering Tehran targets and leverage.

> vulnerable to Iranian drones and missiles
## Energy Security
Iran war shows U.S. oil prices rose 40 percent and diesel 70 percent after Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

> oil prices rose 40 percent
## Nuclear Proliferation
Saudi Crown Prince says if Iran gets nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia will also get one.

> Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
## Terrorism Threats
ISIS and affiliates remain capable of mass-casualty attacks despite decades of counterterrorism efforts.

> ISIS and affiliates
## Economic Ties
Gulf Cooperation Council states hold $2 trillion in U.S. assets and spend hundreds of billions on U.S. tech infrastructure.

> Gulf Cooperation Council states
## Disengagement Risks
U.S. withdrawal could lead to Gulf states hedging with China, Iran, and Pakistan, and increased regional instability.

> Gulf states hedging with China
## Military Posture
U.S. must overhaul military posture with smaller, more dispersed bases and better defenses to avoid vulnerability.

> smaller, more dispersed bases
## Diplomacy Over Force
U.S. should return to diplomacy to prevent Iranian nuclear program without military escalation.

> return to diplomacy
## Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Arabia and UAE reroute five million barrels per day around Strait of Hormuz to bypass Iranian threats.

> five million barrels per day
## Conditionality
U.S. should enforce laws tying military aid to human rights to avoid complicity in conflicts.

> enforce laws tying military aid to human rights
## Alliance Cooperation
U.S. must work with European and Asian allies to reduce Middle East vulnerabilities without relying on permanent bases.

> work with European and Asian allies
## Breaking the Cycle
U.S. must pursue smarter Middle East strategy to avoid costly disengagement after Iran war.

> pursue smarter Middle East strategy
## Key takeaway

U.S. should defend narrower core interests in Middle East with smaller military footprint and more diplomacy instead of disengagement.