US keeps 50,000 troops in Mideast after signing Iran memo
What's next: Washington and Tehran enter a 60-day negotiating period, with sanctions relief tied to verification rather than promises.
The Trump administration will keep its military buildup in the Middle East in place after signing a memorandum with Iran, leaving roughly 50,000 US troops in the region as a 60-day negotiating period begins. A senior US official said the current force posture, including at least two carrier strike groups in the US Central Command area, will stay in place for now. Officials said President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have signed the memo, with details due within 24 to 48 hours and a formal ceremony expected later this week. The White House also said no frozen Iranian assets have been released and any future sanctions relief would depend on Iranian performance and verification.