US bases in Iran’s crosshairs: Are American troops too exposed in the Middle East?

Are US Troops in the Middle East sitting ducks for Iran’s retaliation?

As tensions rise between Iran, Israel and the US, Tehran has issued a clear warning: any American military action will be met with fierce retaliation. And the first targets? Likely, the thousands of US troops are already stationed across the Middle East.

Iran’s defence minister recently said all US bases in the region are 'within reach,' and promised to 'boldly target them' if Washington joins the conflict. It’s a threat the US cannot take lightly, not just because of Iran’s growing missile and drone arsenal, but because of how deeply rooted and geographically exposed American forces are in the region.

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Where are US troops based, and why are they at risk?

There are nearly 40,000 US troops deployed across key countries like Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Jordan. These bases are used to launch operations, manage intelligence, conduct airstrikes, and monitor threats across the region.

But many of them are located within missile range of Iran or its proxy militias, making them vulnerable in the event of a wider war. Here are some key hotspots:

Al-Asad Air Base, Iraq
One of the largest US bases in Iraq, Al-Asad has already been attacked multiple times. After the US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in 2020, Iran fired 11 missiles here, injuring dozens of US troops.

Tower 22, Jordan
This small outpost near the Syrian border came under deadly attack in January 2024. A drone strike killed three US soldiers and injured dozens more, the worst such attack since the fall of Kabul in 2021.

Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar
This is America’s largest military base in the Middle East. It houses more than 10,000 personnel and serves as a command hub. Iran has already warned Qatar that this base would be a legitimate target if the US joins the fight.

Naval Support Activity Bahrain
Home to the powerful US Navy Fifth Fleet, Bahrain is critical for operations in the Persian Gulf. But its proximity to Iran makes it a high-risk zone in case of missile or drone retaliation.

Al-Dhafra Air Base, UAE
This base hosts US fighter jets and drones. It also doubles as a missile defence training centre, making it both a strategic asset and a potential target.

Why does this matter now?

Iran has already launched over 1,000 drones and 400 missiles at Israel following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets. If the US enters the conflict, Tehran could shift its focus and unleash its firepower on US troops spread across the region.

American officials say preparations are underway. The Pentagon has sent extra defence systems, refuelling aircraft, and even moved a second aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, into the region.

But defence experts, according to a report by the Financial Times, have warned that these bases may now be more of a risk than a shield. The more concentrated the US forces are, the easier they are to target. And Iran doesn’t need to strike directly; it can rely on allied militias like Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, Houthis in Yemen, or Hezbollah in Lebanon to do the job.

One senior Iranian militia leader even called US bases “duck-hunting grounds,” warning that surprises await American aircraft in the skies.

Can the US strike from safer locations?

Yes. If Washington decides to attack Iran, it may not rely heavily on its Middle East bases. Long-range B-2 stealth bombers from Missouri can fly to Iran and back with mid-air refuelling. The US also has access to Diego Garcia, a remote island base in the Indian Ocean, which has been used for previous strikes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

What’s at stake for host countries?

Countries like Qatar, Iraq, and Jordan host US bases as part of strategic partnerships, but this conflict puts them in the crossfire. If Iran retaliates on their soil, it could strain relations and make it reconsider the risks of housing American troops.