US Maintains Over 120 Military Bases Across Middle East Amid Iran Tensions

The United States maintains a significant military presence across the Middle East, with key bases that support operations extending from Egypt to Kazakhstan. Bahrain hosts the Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, which oversees naval operations in the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. base in the region, functions as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command and houses approximately 10,000 troops. Kuwait hosts important facilities including Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Arifjan, which support airlift, combat power delivery, and house special operations forces. Other bases in the UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan enhance U.S. military logistics, air, and missile defense capabilities, such as Patriot and THAAD systems. Following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, Tehran has threatened retaliation against these U.S. bases, escalating regional tensions and highlighting the strategic importance of these installations.