As US-Iran Tensions Rise, American Military Bases Across the Middle East on Iran’s Radar

As US-Iran Tensions Rise, American Military Bases Across the Middle East on Iran’s Radar

The United States and Iran appear to be edging closer to a direct military confrontation, with sharp rhetoric on both sides raising alarm across the region. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is “ready, willing, and able” to strike Iran if provoked, while Tehran has vowed a “crushing response” to any attack.

Iranian officials have made it clear that any retaliation would likely target American military assets across the Middle East. Iran’s army spokesperson recently warned that U.S. forces operate from numerous bases “within the range of our medium-range missiles.”

The U.S. maintains tens of thousands of troops across the region under the command of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Here is a look at the major locations where American forces are stationed.

Bahrain

The Gulf island nation hosts Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The deep-water port can accommodate large warships, including aircraft carriers.

The U.S. Navy has had a presence in Bahrain since 1948, when the base was run by Britain’s Royal Navy. Several American vessels, including anti-mine ships and logistics support vessels, are permanently stationed there.

Iraq

U.S. troops remain in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. However, under an agreement with Baghdad, the American combat mission is set to end by September.

U.S. forces have already withdrawn from bases in federal Iraq, where the government maintains close ties with Iran while also partnering with Washington. Following the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, U.S. troops in Iraq and neighboring Syria were repeatedly targeted by Iran-aligned militias. The attacks later subsided after U.S. retaliatory strikes.

Kuwait

Kuwait hosts several key U.S. installations, including Camp Arifjan, which serves as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army component of CENTCOM. The country also holds large stockpiles of American military equipment and supplies.

Another major facility, Ali al-Salem Air Base, is home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The U.S. military describes it as a vital airlift hub for moving troops and equipment across the region. American drones, including MQ-9 Reapers, also operate from Kuwait.

Qatar

Al Udeid Air Base is one of the most important U.S. military hubs in the Middle East. It hosts forward elements of CENTCOM, along with U.S. air force and special operations units.

The base supports combat aircraft rotations and houses the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which provides airlift, aerial refueling, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and medical evacuation capabilities. Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid last June following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Syria

The U.S. has long maintained troops in Syria as part of efforts to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group, which once controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq.

The risks facing American personnel were underscored in December, when two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in an attack attributed to the Islamic State.

United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, Al Dhafra Air Base hosts the U.S. 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, comprising around 10 aircraft squadrons. The base also supports drone operations, including MQ-9 Reapers.

Al Dhafra regularly hosts rotating combat aircraft and serves as a regional hub for advanced air warfare training.

As tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise, these bases — spread across the Gulf and beyond — are increasingly seen as potential flashpoints in any broader conflict.