The United States and Israel initiated a significant military assault on Iran on Saturday, with the first apparent strike occurring near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media reported widespread strikes across the nation, and smoke was visible rising from the capital city.
Trump Announces Major Combat Operations
President Donald Trump confirmed the attack in a video posted on social media, stating that the U.S. had commenced "major combat operations in Iran." He asserted that Iran has persistently advanced its nuclear program and is developing missiles capable of reaching the United States.
Key US Military Facilities in the Middle East
As tensions escalate, the following are crucial US military installations across the Middle East that play pivotal roles in regional operations:
Bahrain
Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, which oversees operations in the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Qatar
The Al Udeid Air Base, a 24-hectare facility located in the desert outside Doha, serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command. This base, the largest U.S. installation in the Middle East, accommodates approximately 10,000 troops and directs military activities from Egypt to Kazakhstan.
Kuwait
Kuwait features several military installations, including Camp Arifjan, the forward headquarters of U.S. Army Central, and Ali Al Salem Air Base, known as "The Rock" due to its isolated environment. Camp Buehring, established during the 2003 Iraq War, functions as a staging post for U.S. Army units deploying into Iraq and Syria.
United Arab Emirates
The Al Dhafra Air Base, situated south of Abu Dhabi and shared with the UAE Air Force, is a critical U.S. Air Force hub that has supported missions against the Islamic State and reconnaissance deployments. Additionally, Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, while not a formal base, is the U.S. Navy's largest port of call in the region, regularly hosting aircraft carriers and other vessels.
Iraq
The U.S. maintains a presence at Ain Al Asad Air Base in western Anbar province, supporting Iraqi security forces and contributing to NATO missions. This base was previously targeted by Iranian missile strikes in 2020. Erbil Air Base, located in northern Iraq's Kurdistan Region, serves as a hub for U.S. and coalition forces, facilitating training, intelligence sharing, and logistical coordination.
Saudi Arabia
U.S. soldiers in Saudi Arabia, numbering 2,321 in 2024, operate in coordination with the Saudi government, providing air and missile defence capabilities and supporting U.S. military aircraft. Key personnel are stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base, which supports assets like Patriot missile batteries and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems.
Jordan
The Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base in Azraq hosts the U.S. Air Forces Central's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, engaging in missions across the Levant region.
