The United States maintains a significant and strategic presence in the Middle East, with bases serving as aerial hubs, naval ports, logistics centers, and regional command posts.
Here’s a detailed overview of US military bases in the Middle East, and their strategic importance.
Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar: The region’s largest and a major base for approximately 8,000–10,000 personnel, including the forward Combined Air Operations Center for CENTCOM operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan
Naval Support Activity, Bahrain: Home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, hosting around 9,000 staff, crucial for securing supply routes in the Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait: A major logistics hub supporting U.S. forces across the region with prepositioned equipment and supply facilities
Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE, Camp Buehring & Ahmad al-Jabir Air Base, Kuwait, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, and Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia—all host US personnel and aircraft, contributing to deterrence and readiness
Other known installations
Jordan: Multiple smaller bases for training and surveillance
Iraq & Syria: Dotted with special operations outposts supporting anti-ISIS missions
Oman & Qatar: Use of port facilities for naval logistics
In total, about 30,000 US troops are stationed across these installations, supported by forces in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and maritime units in the region
Iran’s strike on Al Udeid Base
On June 23, Iran launched a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base—headquarters of US Central Command—framing it as a “mighty and successful response” to US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Al Udeid is just 120 miles from Iran across the Gulf.
This marks a significant escalation: for the first time in this latest round of tit-for-tat strikes, Iran directly targeted a facility central to American military command in the region.
Why this matters now
The US presence in the Middle East is under renewed threat following:
June 22: US stealth bombers struck Iran’s nuclear sites (Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan)
June 23: Iran retaliated by targeting Al Udeid Air Base, escalating the risk of wider war
Regional fallout: Qatar and Bahrain implemented emergency protocols; US allies fear becoming collateral