Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against US and UK Military Bases Across Middle East
The Middle East has been plunged into chaos as Iran has struck several targets across the Gulf in retaliation against a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign. Tehran explicitly stated it would target US bases in the region after Washington and Israel launched strikes towards Iran on Saturday. US President Donald Trump has accused Tehran of waging an "unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States."
Explosions have been reported in Jerusalem, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha in Qatar, and Manama in Bahrain during the third day of this escalating conflict, severely impacting key regional aviation and trade hubs. Both the United Kingdom and the United States maintain extensive military presences across numerous Middle Eastern countries, which are now under direct threat.
Recent Attacks on Military Installations
An Iranian drone struck a US navy base in Bahrain at approximately 7:30pm GMT on Sunday, causing a significant fire. The attack occurred near an adjoining UK naval facility, though fortunately there were no casualties as the area had been evacuated beforehand.
In a separate incident, Kuwaiti air defences mistakenly shot down three US F15 fighter jets participating in Iran-related operations on Monday. The US military confirmed that all six aircrew members ejected safely, have been recovered, and are in stable condition.
Meanwhile, the Cypriot government announced on Monday that two unmanned drones heading towards the UK's Akrotiri air base in Cyprus had been successfully intercepted.
Iran's Military Capabilities and Range
Iran has deployed ballistic missiles and drones to launch large-scale attacks on US allies and assets across the Gulf, with these weapons having a self-imposed range of 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). According to the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Iran possesses the largest stockpile of ballistic missiles in the Middle East.
Even Iran's short-range missiles can reach 435 miles, placing several US military bases within striking distance according to estimates by the CSIS Missile Defense Project. Bases and military sites in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are all vulnerable to Iranian retaliation using short-range weapons.
US Military Presence Across the Region
The United States operates a broad network of military sites across at least 19 locations in the Middle East, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Eight of these are permanent installations located in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Tens of thousands of US troops are stationed across the Middle East, primarily in Arab Gulf countries situated just across the Persian Gulf from Iran—much closer than Israel. While these bases feature sophisticated air defence systems similar to Israel's, they would have significantly less warning time before incoming missiles or armed drones reached their targets.
Strategic Analysis and Limitations
General Sir Richard Barrons, a former senior UK military officer, told Sky News that Iran faces limitations in its strategic options, particularly after losing many top leaders in recent days. Movements to fire missiles could potentially expose launch sites to American and Israeli aerial attacks, giving Iran's missile launchers a short life expectancy.
US officials have previously stated that Iran has depleted its medium-range missile stockpile, though it maintains ample short-range capabilities for regional operations.
Key US and UK Military Bases in the Middle East
Bahrain: Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NSA Bahrain) serves as home to the US Naval Forces Central Command and United States Fifth Fleet. This deep-water port can accommodate America's largest military vessels including aircraft carriers. Britain's Royal Navy originally opened and operated the port during the 1920s.
Iraq: The US maintains several military bases in Iraq, including two air fields—Al-Harir and Al Asad air bases—alongside dozens of camps and outposts. These installations were repeatedly targeted by pro-Iran militant groups following Israel's invasion of Gaza in October 2023. At the height of the US occupation from 2003 to 2011, there were reportedly 170,000 US personnel stationed across 505 bases. The UK currently has approximately 200 service personnel deployed in non-combat training and support roles.
Kuwait: Kuwait hosts several US installations including two air bases and multiple outposts. Ali Al Salem Air Base serves as home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, one of the main hubs for delivering combat support in the region. The RAF has previously utilized this facility.
Qatar: Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base represents the largest facility of its kind in the region according to Reuters. It hosts around 10,000 US troops and serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command, directing American military operations across a vast area from Egypt to Kazakhstan.
Saudi Arabia: The Prince Sultan Air Base is a major site that hosted substantial US presence during the Iraq war and continues to support US air force operations. RAF personnel have been attached to the Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Projects for many years.
United Arab Emirates: Al Dhafra Air Base houses the US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing with 10 aircraft squadrons and MQ-9 Reaper drones. The RAF operates from Al Minhad Air Base, announced as a new permanent UK military facility in March 2024.
Jordan: The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan received $143 million for upgrades and expansion in 2018, hosting military partners including Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Oman: Oman serves as a "strategic hub" for the UK Ministry of Defence, with the Royal Navy operating a joint logistics support base at Duqm port that provides a permanent maritime base east of Suez but outside the Gulf.
Cyprus: The UK maintains two Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. RAF Akrotiri functions as the main operating base in the region, hosting fast jet combat aircraft, air-to-air refuelling capabilities, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.
