US and UK Military Bases in the Middle East Amid Iran's Retaliatory Strikes
Iran has struck several targets across the Gulf in retaliation against a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign, plunging the Middle East into chaos. Tehran declared it would target US bases in the region after Washington and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday. US President Donald Trump accused Tehran of waging an "unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States." Blasts have been reported in Jerusalem, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha in Qatar, and Manama in Bahrain, impacting key aviation and trade hubs.
Recent Incidents and Military Responses
An Iranian drone struck a US navy base in Bahrain at around 7:30pm GMT on Sunday, causing a major fire near an adjoining UK naval facility, with no casualties due to prior evacuation. Kuwaiti air defences mistakenly shot down three US F15 fighter jets involved in Iran-related operations, with all six aircrew safely recovered. Meanwhile, the Cypriot government intercepted two unmanned drones heading towards the UK’s Akrotiri air base in Cyprus.
Iran's Missile Capabilities and Threat Assessment
Iran has used ballistic missiles and drones with a self-imposed range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) to launch attacks. It possesses the largest stockpile of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, according to the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Even short-range missiles, with a range of 435 miles, put several US military bases at risk, including those in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The US operates a network across at least 19 locations in the region, with eight permanent bases in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Tens of thousands of US troops are stationed in Gulf countries, closer to Iran than Israel, though with less warning time for missile defences.
Locations of US and UK Military Bases
- Bahrain: Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NSA Bahrain) hosts the US Naval Forces Central Command and Fifth Fleet, with deep-water port capabilities. The UK Royal Navy historically operated the port, and the US established presence during World War 2.
- Iraq: The US maintains bases including Al-Harir and Al Asad air bases, targeted by pro-Iran groups after Israel’s invasion of Gaza in 2023. At the peak of occupation, there were 170,000 US personnel in 505 bases. The UK has 200 personnel deployed for training Iraqi and Kurdish forces.
- Kuwait: Hosts several US installations, such as Ali Al Salem Air Base, home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, previously used by the RAF.
- Qatar: Al Udeid Air Base is the largest in the region, housing around 10,000 US troops and serving as the forward headquarters for US Central Command.
- Saudi Arabia: Prince Sultan Air Base is a major site for US operations, with RAF personnel attached to MODSAP projects.
- United Arab Emirates: Al Dahfra Air Base hosts the US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and MQ-9 Reaper drones, while the RAF operates from Al Minhad Air Base.
- Jordan: Muwaffaq Salti Air Base has received upgrades and hosts international military partners.
- Oman: A strategic hub for the UK, with a joint logistics support base at Duqm port.
- Cyprus: The UK has Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri and Dhekelia, with RAF Akrotiri as a key operating base.
General Sir Richard Barrons, a former senior UK military officer, noted Iran's limited options due to recent leadership losses, with missile movements risking exposure to US and Israeli attacks. US officials report Iran has depleted medium-range stockpiles but retains ample short-range capabilities.
