Iran Strikes: US Military Bases Targeted in Middle East

Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes: A Map of U.S. Forces in the Middle East

Iran launched a wave of missile attacks against several countries hosting U.S. Military personnel across the Middle East, escalating tensions following the recent joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iranian soil. The strikes targeted locations in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and potentially other nations, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict. This article details the key U.S. Military installations in the region and the current situation as reported on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Bahrain: A Critical Naval Hub

Bahrain is home to the Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Fifth Fleet and Naval Forces Central Command (CENTCOM). This strategic location allows the U.S. Navy to operate effectively in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. The deep-water port can accommodate the largest U.S. Naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, and has been utilized by the U.S. Military since 1948. Several U.S. Warships are homeported in Bahrain, including mine countermeasures vessels and logistical support ships. Reports indicate that a facility at the naval base was targeted during the Iranian attacks on Saturday.

Iraq: A Shifting Presence

The U.S. Maintains a presence in Iraq, primarily with forces stationed in the autonomous Kurdistan Region as part of the international coalition against ISIS. However, U.S. Troops are currently in the process of withdrawing from Syria, with the drawdown expected to be completed within a month, according to sources. Reports from AFP journalists indicate explosions near the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, on Saturday. Kataeb Hizbollah, a powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia, has threatened attacks on American bases in response to the strikes against Iran. Kurdish security forces reported intercepting multiple drones and missiles over Erbil.

Kuwait: A Major Logistics Center

Kuwait hosts several significant U.S. Military installations. Camp Arifjan serves as the forward headquarters for the U.S. Army’s CENTCOM component command. The country also serves as a key location for U.S. Military storage of supplies, equipment, and ammunition. Al Salem Air Base is home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, described as a primary airpower projection hub and gateway for deploying combat forces and coalition partners. The base also hosts unmanned aerial vehicles, including MQ-9 Reapers. According to reports, the attacks on Kuwait caused significant damage to the runway at Ali al-Salem Air Base, which also hosts Italian air force personnel.

Qatar: A Central Command Post

Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar hosts CENTCOM’s forward headquarters, as well as air forces and special operations forces. The base also rotates combat aircraft and includes aerial refueling, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, along with medical evacuation capabilities. Iran reportedly targeted this location during Saturday’s attacks, having previously launched attacks on Al Udeid in June following U.S. Strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.

Syria: A Diminishing Footprint

The U.S. Has maintained a military presence in Syria for years as part of the international effort against ISIS. However, U.S. Forces are currently withdrawing from the country, with the process expected to conclude within a month. Syrian state media reported that four people were killed by an Iranian missile that struck the southern part of the country on Saturday.

United Arab Emirates: Airpower and Defense

Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates hosts the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, comprising ten squadrons and including unmanned aerial vehicles like the MQ-9 Reaper. The base also serves as an advanced air warfare training center for the U.S. Air Force. The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting two waves of Iranian missiles on Saturday, with one person killed in Abu Dhabi during the first wave.

Jordan: Supporting Regional Operations

Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base, located approximately 62 miles north of Amman, Jordan, hosts a U.S. Air Force operational detachment that participates in missions throughout the Middle East. Jordanian armed forces reported shooting down two ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia: Air Defense Cooperation

According to a report in The Independent, over 2,300 U.S. Military personnel are stationed in Saudi Arabia, working alongside Saudi forces on air defense efforts. However, there have been no reports of Iran directly targeting Saudi Arabia in the recent attacks.

Aircraft Carriers: A Powerful Presence

The U.S. Navy has increased its presence in the region, deploying aircraft carriers to the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Sea. The USS Gerald R. Ford was positioned off the coast of Greece on Tuesday, and the USS Abraham Lincoln has been stationed in the Arabian Sea since late January.

The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected. The U.S. Military is actively monitoring the region and taking steps to protect its forces and interests. You can follow live updates on the U.S. And Israel’s attack on Iran at Yle’s ongoing coverage.