Commanders near an American flag. (Credit: Illustration photo Getty Images via AFP)
The United States has thousands of troops deployed across various military bases in the Middle East, a region that has been the site of multiple operations conducted by Washington over the past decades.
Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran six days ago, and U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has not yet made a decision regarding possible American military involvement in the war.
In retaliation to a potential U.S. engagement, Iran could respond by targeting American bases in the region — bases that have already been attacked by Tehran’s allies amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Here are the Middle Eastern countries where the United States maintains a strong military presence, overseen by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Bahrain
This small Gulf kingdom hosts a naval base, the Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which serves as the home of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of the Central Command for naval forces.
Bahrain’s deep-water port can accommodate the largest American military vessels, including aircraft carriers. The U.S. Navy has used the base since 1948, when the facility was operated by the British Royal Navy.
Several U.S. ships are based in Bahrain, including four mine countermeasure vessels and two logistical support ships. The U.S. Coast Guard also operates ships in the country, including six fast intervention boats.
Iraq
The United States has troops stationed in multiple regions of Iraq, notably at the Al-Asad Airbase in the west and Erbil Airbase in the north. While the Iraqi government is a close ally of Iran, it is also a strategic partner of the United States.
Approximately 2,500 U.S. soldiers are present in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the jihadist group Islamic State (ISIS). Baghdad and Washington have agreed on a gradual withdrawal schedule for coalition forces.
U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted multiple times by pro-Iranian militants since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. The U.S. military responded with heavy strikes on Tehran-linked targets, after which attacks have significantly decreased.
Kuwait
Kuwait hosts several U.S. bases, including Camp Arifjan, which contains a CENTCOM command center. The U.S. military also maintains equipment stockpiles in the country.
Ali Al Salem Airbase hosts the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, described by the U.S. military as the region’s “main hub for air transport and the gateway for delivering combat power.”
Additionally, the United States operates drones in Kuwait, including MQ-9 Reapers.
Qatar
Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the largest U.S. base in the Middle East. It houses a CENTCOM command center, along with U.S. air forces and special operations forces in the region.
The base also hosts combat aircraft and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which includes “airlift, aerial refueling, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities,” according to the U.S. military.
Syria
The United States has maintained troops at several bases in Syria for years as part of international efforts against the Islamic State (ISIS).
In April, the Pentagon announced plans to reduce its military presence in Syria by half, despite jihadist groups still being active in the fragile country.
United Arab Emirates
Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates hosts the U.S. 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, consisting of ten aircraft squadrons, including drones.
Fighter jets have operated from Al Dhafra, which also features a center dedicated to air and missile defense training.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.
