Iran has retaliated against a series of US strikes by launching missile attacks on multiple countries hosting American troops in the Middle East, targeting key US military installations under the command of the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Bahrain hosts the Naval Support Activity, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command. The deep-water port, capable of accommodating aircraft carriers and other large vessels, has been used by the US Navy since 1948. On Saturday, Bahrain reported that the 5th Fleet’s service center was hit by an Iranian missile strike.
Iraq — specifically the autonomous Kurdish region — hosts US troops as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State. While the mission is set to end by September, AFP journalists reported explosions near the US consulate in Erbil on Saturday. Kurdish security forces later confirmed that multiple drones and missiles over Erbil were intercepted. The pro-Iran Kataeb Hezbollah group threatened further attacks on American bases.
Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, where the US deployed dozens of aircraft ahead of the strikes on Iran, was targeted by two ballistic missiles, which Jordanian forces successfully intercepted. Authorities reported no casualties but noted material damage.
Kuwait hosts several US installations, including Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base, home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing and various US drone operations. Kuwait’s defense ministry confirmed intercepting missiles targeting the base, while Italy reported “significant damage” to the runway, which also hosts Italian air force personnel.
Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, a CENTCOM hub for air, special operations, and intelligence assets, was reportedly targeted by Iranian missiles on Saturday. The base had previously been attacked by Iran last June following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Syria, where US forces are withdrawing from operations against ISIS, was also hit. Syrian state media reported four fatalities in southern Syria following an Iranian missile strike.
United Arab Emirates — Al Dhafra Air Base, hosting the US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and drone operations, intercepted two Iranian missile attacks on Saturday. Debris from the first wave killed a civilian in Abu Dhabi.
The attacks underscore Iran’s ability to strike multiple US bases and allied forces across the region, highlighting the continued volatility in the Middle East following escalating US-Iran tensions.
