The military operation launched by the United States on Saturday against Iran has already provoked a missile strike against an American base in Bahrain, one of the many Pentagon installations in the region that could be targeted by Tehran’s retaliatory strikes.
Bahrain
The small Gulf kingdom is home to a significant naval base, the headquarters of the Fifth US Navy fleet. This base was hit by a missile attack on Saturday, according to Bahraini authorities.
Bahrain’s deep-water port can accommodate the largest American military ships, including aircraft carriers. The US Navy has been using this base since 1948.
Several American ships have their home port in Bahrain, including minesweepers, logistic support vessels, and Coast Guard fast intervention boats.
Qatar
Explosions were heard near the largest American base in the region, Al-Udeid in Qatar, on Saturday.
In addition to several command centers, this base hosts combat aircraft, aerial transportation means, aerial refueling, and intelligence resources.
In June, Iran had already fired missiles at Al-Udeid following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iraq
The United States has deployed troops in the Kurdish autonomous region of Iraq as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group, but their mission is expected to end by September, according to an agreement between Washington and Baghdad.
American forces have already completed their withdrawal from other installations in Iraq – whose government is a close ally of Iran, but also a strategic partner of Washington – under the same agreement.
American forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted by pro-Iranian fighters on several occasions since the outbreak of the war led by Israel in Gaza in October 2023. Washington responded with heavy strikes on targets linked to Tehran, and the attacks have largely ceased since then.
Kuwait
Kuwait hosts several American bases, including Camp Arifjan, which houses the ground component headquarters of the CENTCOM, the American military command for the Middle East.
The US army also has pre-positioned equipment stocks in the country. Ali Al-Salem Air Base is home to a logistics squadron and MQ-9 Reaper attack drones.
United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, the United States has a significant expeditionary air squadron at Al-Dhafra Air Base, including MQ-9 Reaper drones. Combat aircraft are occasionally present as well.
Syria
The United States has maintained a military presence in a series of installations in Syria for years as part of international efforts against the Islamic State group.
However, these troops are currently being withdrawn from the country, with the withdrawal expected to be completed within a month, according to several sources cited by the AFP.
