Mapping US troops and military bases in the Middle East
The United States has maintained a military presence in the Middle East for decades, currently stationing between 40,000 and 50,000 troops across at least 19 sites.
The US and Israel on Saturday bombed multiple Iranian cities, prompting a fierce response from Tehran, which launched missiles at Israel and towards several military bases in the Middle East where American forces operate.
The intense exchange of projectiles forced several nations to close their airspace. Many countries have, in recent days, cautioned their diplomats and citizens in the region about the prospects of a military escalation between Iran and the US. Some countries had even asked their citizens to evacuate.
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Iran had previously warned that if it were attacked, it would respond by targeting US military facilities across the region. We break down what these bases are.
Where are US military bases in the Middle East?
The US has operated military bases in the Middle East for decades.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US operates a broad network of military sites, both permanent and temporary, across at least 19 locations in the region.
Of these, eight are permanent bases, located across Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
How many US troops are in the Middle East?
The US’s first deployment of soldiers in the Middle East was in July 1958, when combat troops were sent to Beirut during the Lebanon crisis. At its height, there were almost 15,000 Marines and Army soldiers in Lebanon.
As of mid-2025, there are about 40,000 to 50,000 US troops in the Middle East, comprising personnel stationed in both large, permanent bases and smaller forward sites across the region.
The countries with the most US troops include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These installations serve as critical hubs for air and naval operations, regional logistics, intelligence gathering and force projection.
Below are some notable bases in the region.
- Al Udeid airbase (Qatar) – The Qatari base was established in 1996, and is the largest airbase used by the US military in the Middle East. Covering an area of 24 hectares (60 acres), the base accommodates almost 100 aircraft as well as drones. This base, which houses some 10,000 troops, serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM) and has been central to operations in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
- Naval Support Activity, NSA (Bahrain) – The current US naval base sits on the site of the former British naval installation, HMS Jufair. The base hosts approximately 9,000 Department of Defense personnel, including military and civilian staff. Home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, the base provides security to ships, aircraft, detachments and remote sites in the region. The Bahrain airbase came under attack on February 28, the country’s military confirmed.
- Camp Arifjan (Kuwait) – Camp Arifjan is a major US Army base located about 55km (34 miles) southeast of Kuwait City. Constructed in 1999, it serves as the primary logistics, supply and command hub for US military operations in the Middle East, particularly within the US CENTCOM area of responsibility.
- Al-Dhafra airbase (UAE) – A strategic base focused on reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and supporting combat air operations. The base hosts advanced aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor stealth fighters and various surveillance planes, including drones and airborne warning and control systems (AWACS).
- Erbil airbase (Iraq) – Used by US forces for air operations, particularly in northern Iraq and Syria, where troops advise Kurdish and Iraqi forces.
