Should President Trump opt to confront the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran directly, tens of thousands of American troops could find themselves nearby. There are over 40,000 US service members and civilians, along with significant military assets, stationed across the Middle East, including Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Those working in Iraq and Kuwait, which are closest to Iran, may have only minutes to react if Iran were to launch a strike. Colonel Ses Krumlich from Global Guardian noted, “If [Iran] has ballistic missiles ready, those strikes could happen within 15 minutes. They’re moving quickly.”
Recently, Israel conducted multiple airstrikes against Iran, escalating tensions significantly. In reaction, Iran has also engaged in attacks, leading to fears of a potential U.S. withdrawal amidst the chaos. Although the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself, it hasn’t directly participated in the bombings.
Trump has yet to make a definitive decision on potential military action against Iran, indicating through his spokesperson that he will decide within the next two weeks. The press secretary stated, “Based on the considerable potential for negotiation that may or may not happen with Iran soon, I will decide within two weeks.”
Meanwhile, Iran has issued warnings of direct attacks on U.S. forces should they enter Israel’s war effort. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ominously cautioned, “Americans should know that there will definitely be irreparable damage.”
Such threats from Tehran are taken seriously, recalling the January 2020 incident when Trump ordered a strike that resulted in the death of Major General Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian official. That attack prompted swift retaliation from Iran, targeting U.S. bases in Iraq and causing injuries to over 100 service members.
Currently, Trump is reportedly contemplating the use of GBU-57 bombs, designed to penetrate deep structures. An attack like this could provoke an Iranian response aimed at U.S. bases. “If the U.S. launches an attack like the Big Bunker Buster, I think you’ll see an Iranian missile strike on one or more U.S. bases,” Krumlich commented, emphasizing the heightened alertness among U.S. military authorities this week.
Some military resources are being repositioned away from bases seen as likely targets, with aircraft being moved from Al-Assad Air Force Base, which has previously been hit and is home to about 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq.
Tehran appears cautious about escalating tensions with U.S. forces in the UAE or Qatar, where many American personnel are stationed. The U.S. maintains around 10,000 troops at Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar and 13,500 troops at various bases in Kuwait, with additional forces in Bahrain, Jordan, and Syria.
Retired General Joseph Motel mentioned that Middle Eastern bases have protective measures in place, which include moving aircraft from more vulnerable positions. “We have numerous diplomatic sites and private sector interests there,” he added, highlighting the complexities of U.S. involvement in the region.
U.S. bases are not only at risk from Iranian attacks but also from militias that are backed by Tehran. Earlier this month, for example, three U.S. soldiers were killed in a drone strike at a forward operating base in Jordan.
Reports indicate that Iranian-backed militants have targeted at least four U.S. bases since Israel’s airstrikes began. When questioned about these attacks, a spokesperson from U.S. Central Command was noncommittal, stating, “We are aware of these reports, but we have no operational updates to provide.”
This week, U.S. forces are said to be preparing for potential retaliatory actions, bolstering their presence in the Middle East, including the deployment of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier group. Additional refueling tankers and warships have also been positioned in the Mediterranean to intercept any Iranian missiles targeting Israel.
The Nimitz is set to relieve the USS Carl Vinson, currently in the Arabian Sea, to reinforce security for U.S. personnel in the region. Furthermore, the Air Force has relocated some F-16s from Italy to a Saudi base amid rising tensions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to comment on whether Trump requested military options against Iran but asserted that ensuring the president has informed choices is key. He emphasized that “major protective measures” are already in place.
Finally, a Pentagon spokesperson was asked if defenses could effectively counteract Iranian attacks. They highlighted that the protection of U.S. military personnel is the top priority, with ongoing deployments aimed at enhancing defensive capabilities in the region.
