Following joint US-Israeli attacks leveling Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, tensions have escalated throughout West Asia. Iran has threatened to unleash immediate and “severe consequences.” The Pentagon now prepares for an expected Iranian retaliation that may directly affect American troops and equipment scattered throughout the Middle East.
The US maintains over 40,000 soldiers stationed at bases and warships under the US Central Command (CENTCOM), spanning Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and the UAE. Each location is of strategic significance—and vulnerability.
Tehran Promises Quick and Harsh Retaliation
Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the attacks a “serious violation” of the UN Charter. State media ratcheted up the threat, proclaiming that “every American citizen and soldier” in the region is now fair game.
High regime official Hossein Shariatmadari demanded a missile attack on the US Navy presence in Bahrain and complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a global oil chokepoint. These demands came after Ayatollah Khamenei issued his own threat of “harsh consequences” for US intervention.
CENTCOM in the Crosshairs
CENTCOM centralizes all American military action from Egypt to Afghanistan. With troops based throughout the region, it has rapid deployment and air superiority. These bases—especially in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE—are advanced logistics, refueling, drone base of operations, and command infrastructure.
But they are in range of Iranian missile and drone capabilities. Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite militias would also be mobilized for indirect attacks.
Bahrain: Naval Stronghold in the Gulf
The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is hosted by Bahrain. Its port can accommodate aircraft carriers, anti-mine warfare ships, and logistics ships. Due to its location in the Gulf, it is a favorite target of the Iranians.
In 2020, Iran openly mentioned it as one of the targeting sites following the assassination of Qasem Soleimani.
Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base
Al Udeid Air Base is CENTCOM’s largest installation in the Middle East. Thousands of troops and crucial aircraft for regional air operations are based there.
Iran considers it to be a crucial command node supporting US military capability.
Iraq: Susceptible to Direct and Proxy Attacks
The US maintains Al Asad and Al Harir air bases in Iraq. Both have faced drone and rocket attacks from Iran-backed militias.
Al Asad was directly struck by Iranian missiles in 2020 in response to Soleimani’s death.
Syria: Strategic Yet Exposed
American troops in Syria are based in places such as Al Tanf, close to Jordan and Iraq borders. They serve to augment anti-ISIS missions but are extremely vulnerable, particularly to Iranian proxies settled in the area.
Kuwait and UAE: Strategic Logistics and Air Power Hubs
Kuwait’s Ali al-Salem Air Base and Camp Arifjan facilitate quick combat deployment and logistics. Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE accommodates F-22 Raptors, MQ-9 drones, and surveillance aircraft. Its missile defense training center is central to regional air defense.
Strait of Hormuz: A Global Flashpoint
Iran has threatened time and time again to close down the Strait of Hormuz, an action that could strangle 20% of the world’s oil supply. Anything done here would trigger a world economic and military crisis. The presence of the US Navy in Bahrain is a direct deterrent to this kind of action.
With tensions at boiling point, every American base in the Middle East is now under potential danger. Whether Iran hits back directly, via proxies, or with cyberattacks—CENTCOM’s presence is at the centre of Tehran’s crosshairs.