Introduction
Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated, with President Donald Trump warning of potential military action against Iran and the Islamic Republic threatening a “devastating” response. In this context, understanding the locations of major US military bases in the Middle East becomes crucial. The following article, adapted from an AFP report, examines these key locations under the command of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
Bahrain
Bahrain Hosts US Naval Support Activity:
This small Gulf state houses the US Naval Support Activity, which serves as the base for the US Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command. The port in Bahrain can accommodate large US military vessels, including aircraft carriers. The US Navy has utilized this base since 1948, when it was operated by the British Royal Navy.
- Several US naval vessels, including mine countermeasures ships and logistics support ships, have their homeport in Bahrain.
Iraq
US Troops in Iraq’s Kurdish Region:
The United States maintains troops in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State (IS). However, this mission is set to conclude in September 2026 following an agreement between Washington and Baghdad.
Under the same agreement, US forces have withdrawn from federal facilities in Iraq, whose government is a close ally of Iran but also a strategic partner for the US.
Following the outbreak of the Gaza War in October 2023, US forces in Iraq and Syria were repeatedly targeted by Iran-backed militias, but they responded with forceful airstrikes against Tehran-linked targets, significantly reducing the attacks.
Kuwait
Multiple US Bases in Kuwait:
Kuwait hosts several US military bases, including Camp Arifjan, which serves as the forward headquarters for the US Army component of CENTCOM.
The US Army also maintains equipment and supply reserves in the country. Ali Al Salem Air Base houses the 386th Expeditionary Airlift Wing, described by the military as the “primary air mobility center and gateway to deliver combat power to joint and coalition forces” in the region.
Furthermore, the US operates drones, including MQ-9 Reapers, in Kuwait.
Qatar
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar:
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar hosts the advanced components of CENTCOM, along with air force and special operations forces. It also rotates combat aircraft and houses the 379th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, which, according to the military, includes “air mobility, aerial refueling, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.”
Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid in June following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Syria
US Presence in Syria:
The United States has maintained troops in Syria for years as part of international efforts against the Islamic State, which emerged from the Syrian civil war to take over large parts of Syria and neighboring Iraq.
Highlighting the dangers faced by US forces in the country, two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria in December in an attack attributed to the Islamic State.
United Arab Emirates
Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE:
Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE hosts the 380th Expeditionary Air Wing of the US, composed of ten squadrons of aircraft and including drones like the MQ-9 Reaper. Combat aircraft have rotated through Al Dhafra, which also serves as the center for US Air Force advanced air-to-air warfare training.
