The United States has decided to withdraw the MIM-104 Patriot air defence system it deployed to Saudi Arabia during tensions with Iran. It was also announced that about 300 U.S. troops would leave Saudi Arabia. The batteries are sent to the United States for maintenance before new deployment.

In the United States, which took this decision at a time of tension over oil production with Saudi Arabia, Republicans accused Saudi Arabia of its steps in the oil market, which is struggling due to the virus outbreak. At the end of March, some Republican senators warned that if oil policy is not changed, Saudi Arabia could lose support in the U.S. defence field. 

It is stated that the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) air defence systems will keep their presence in country. The Pentagon said U.S. forces in the Middle East were “robust” and were making a long-term effort to boost regional air defences.