The U.S. military has not had an aircraft carrier in the region since March. It has also removed a large share of its Patriot missile batteries along with certain combat aircraft such as the advanced F-22 Raptor, according to military officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss force allocation.

That shift has occurred as Iran had made public threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. Officials think it would require several months to get ready for war with Iran, much longer than it would take Iran to damage global commerce.

oh no, the middle east is gonna start shit again, too bad we're not getting involved

Well we better fucking not! Last time(S) we needed the Saudi/Kuwaiti oil. Now we are a net exporter, as of THIS YEAR.

We have no need for allies there, and nobody is worth supporting/defending, because our interests have waned.