The U.S. military will maintain its current force posture in the Middle East during a new 60-day negotiation period with Iran, according to senior Trump administration officials.
The decision comes after President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance signed a memorandum of understanding with Iranian officials over the weekend aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while opening the door to a broader agreement.
"We hope to draw them down, but we're not doing that yet," a senior administration official told reporters Monday, according to The Hill.
The official said any reduction in U.S. forces would depend on Iran's following through on commitments outlined in the agreement and making meaningful concessions regarding its nuclear activities.
The memorandum, which officials said will be released within days, reportedly states that Iran will not develop, acquire, or possess a nuclear weapon.
The Trump administration has emphasized that military readiness remains essential while negotiations continue.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored that point during a Sunday appearance on CBS News' "Face the Nation."
"Our military posture will be whatever it needs to be to ensure they're compelled over these 60 days through the memorandum of understanding that they live up to what they said they would do," Hegseth said.
The Pentagon significantly expanded its presence in the U.S. Central Command region ahead of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets earlier this year.
At its peak, the buildup included more than 50,000 American service members, three aircraft carrier strike groups, over 200 aircraft, Army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division, and Marine Expeditionary Units.
Trump administration officials indicated the military deployment has helped create leverage in negotiations by demonstrating American resolve and maintaining pressure on Tehran.
The talks mark the latest effort by the administration to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions while avoiding a broader regional conflict.
However, officials made clear that any future troop reductions will be tied directly to Iranian compliance.