Thousands of US personnel have been moved from key installations in countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Some troops have even been relocated to Europe, while others remain in the region but outside fortified bases.
Despite these setbacks, Pentagon officials say operations have intensified. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that more than 7,000 strikes have been carried out against Iranian targets, with even larger operations planned.
Several major bases have suffered significant damage. In Kuwait, facilities like Port Shuaiba and Ali Al Salem Air Base were hit, while in Qatar, the strategically important Al Udeid Air Base sustained damage to radar systems. In Bahrain, a drone strike targeted communications equipment at the US Fifth Fleet headquarters, and in Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan Air Base saw damage to refuelling and communication infrastructure.
Military experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of such dispersed operations. While temporary command centres can be set up, they lack the capabilities of full-scale bases, potentially limiting operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned civilians against hosting US troops and urged them to report troop locations, increasing risks for personnel now stationed outside secure compounds. Iran has also expanded its attacks beyond military sites to include infrastructure and shipping routes, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments have exposed vulnerabilities in the long-standing US military presence in the region. Even after sustained strikes by Washington, Iran continues to demonstrate its ability to retaliate, raising concerns about how the conflict may evolve.
