US weighs shifting Gulf bases after Iranian strikes

The United States is weighing the relocation of parts of its military footprint in the Middle East, with Israel emerging as a possible destination, following Iranian missile and drone strikes that exposed vulnerabilities in forward-deployed bases, as reported by Dawn and the Jerusalem Post.

According to the Jerusalem Post, the US Central Command is considering moving operational systems from its bases in the region to Israel. The proposal comes after Iranian strikes during the recent conflict caused significant damage to US installations, prompting a reassessment of Washington's military posture in the Gulf.

Dawn reported that estimates suggest around $5 billion in damage across 11 US military installations. The same report noted that the strikes exposed vulnerabilities in forward-deployed bases, leading to internal deliberations within the US administration.

Damage at Bahrain base

The US Naval Support Activity Bahrain, headquarters of the Fifth Fleet, sustained severe damage during the Iranian retaliatory strikes, according to multiple reports. The Jerusalem Post and TASS both cited Pentagon sources and satellite imagery indicating that the naval headquarters building was heavily damaged, along with port infrastructure and a training facility. The base has been a central hub for US naval operations in the region since 1995.

Neither the US Navy nor the Pentagon has officially confirmed the extent of the destruction, as reported by TASS. However, satellite imagery and anonymous sources indicate the base is currently unable to perform its full functions.

The construction cost of the Bahrain base is estimated at $400 million, and rebuilding what Iran destroyed could cost roughly the same amount, excluding debris removal and the replacement of two satellite communication terminals and a communications management facility, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Key claims

  • US considers relocation to Israel: The US Central Command is evaluating moving military bases' operational systems to Israel, per the Jerusalem Post. Israel is being considered as a possible host for some of the facilities currently in Gulf states.
  • Bahrain base damage: The US Naval Support Activity Bahrain suffered severe damage from Iranian strikes, with the US Navy yet to officially confirm the extent, as reported by TASS and the Jerusalem Post.
  • Reconstruction costs: Rebuilding what Iran destroyed at NSA Bahrain is estimated at $400 million, excluding debris removal and other related costs, according to the Jerusalem Post. Dawn cites a higher estimate of $5 billion across 11 installations.
  • Options under consideration: The Pentagon is exploring options including partial relocation of the Bahrain base, moving command centers underground, and not rebuilding certain damaged structures, as reported by TASS and Dawn.
  • Broader regional reassessment: Discussions are under way about shifting military assets from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with Israel being considered as a possible host for some relocated capabilities, per the Jerusalem Post and TASS.
  • Ceasefire agreement: The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon, as reported by TASS. The document was signed remotely, with ratification talks held in Switzerland on June 21.

Key claims

The following claims have been reported by the outlets noted:

  • Severe damage at NSA Bahrain: The base sustained severe damage during Iranian retaliatory strikes, including to the naval headquarters building, training facilities, and port infrastructure. (Jerusalem Post; TASS)
  • US Navy has not officially confirmed damage extent: The Navy has not officially confirmed reports of extensive damage at the base (TASS).
  • Pentagon exploring options for Bahrain base: Options include partial relocation and moving command nodes underground, as well as not rebuilding some damaged structures (TASS, Jerusalem Post, Dawn).
  • Construction cost estimate: The Bahrain base's construction cost is estimated at around $400 million (TASS, Jerusalem Post).
  • US-Iran memorandum of understanding: The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon, as reported by TASS.
  • Damage estimates: Estimates cited by Dawn suggest $5 billion in damage across 11 US military installations.
  • Casualties: TASS reported that Iranian strikes killed 13 service members and wounded hundreds, though this claim was carried by a single outlet and has not been independently confirmed.
  • Contract renewals: The US Department of Defense and the US Army plan to renew supply contracts with the Ministry of Defense and the IDF until 2030, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

Key claims

The key claims in this story, as reported across the available sources, include:

  • The US Naval Support Activity Bahrain sustained severe damage during Iranian retaliatory strikes, with the Fifth Fleet headquarters, training facilities, barracks, and port infrastructure affected.
  • The US Navy has not officially confirmed the extent of the damage.
  • The Pentagon is exploring options for the Bahrain base, including partial relocation, not rebuilding certain structures, and moving command nodes underground.
  • The construction cost of the Bahrain base is estimated at $400 million, with similar figures cited for the cost of rebuilding damaged portions.
  • The US is considering relocating some assets from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with Israel mentioned as a potential destination.
  • Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was quoted as saying the US military no longer has a safe haven in the Middle East.
  • A memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities was signed remotely on June 21, with ratification discussions ongoing.