Air Force official says US to maintain presence in Mideast

The top U.S. Air Force general in the Mideast says American airmen will continue to be stationed in the region

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The top U.S. Air Force general in the Mideast said Saturday that American airmen would continue to be stationed in the region even as military planners consider competition with China and Russia as Washington's next major challenge.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the Dubai Airshow, Lt. Gen. Gregory Guillot acknowledged that presence “could adjust" after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August. The U.S. Air Force operates a major base in nearby Qatar, which oversaw operations in Afghanistan, as well as Iraq and Syria.

“But I don’t see any scenario where the United States does not have an important role,” Guillot said.

Guillot's comments come as tensions remain high between Iran and the U.S. after years of confrontations following then-President Donald Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. Israel meanwhile is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran's atomic program.