US soldiers deployed near Iran since 1958… Here are the list of US military bases in Middle East…
US military bases in Middle East: US is on alert after the Israel-Iran conflict and hence has already partially evacuated its embassies in the Middle East. Apart from this, the families of US personnel from many other countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have also been called back. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump defended his decision by saying that this region can be a dangerous place. At the same time, the US has also increased the deployment of its troops and weapons in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. In such a situation, the question arises that where are the American military bases in the Middle East and how many soldiers are deployed there.
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 an extensive network of both permanent and temporary military sites in at least 19 locations in the region. Eight of these are permanent bases, located in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
How many US troops are in the Middle East?
The first US deployment of troops to the Middle East was in July 1958, when combat troops were sent to Beirut during the Lebanon crisis. At its peak, there were about 15,000 Marines and Army troops in Lebanon. By mid-2025, there are about 40,000 to 50,000 US troops in the Middle East, including personnel stationed at both large, permanent bases and smaller forward sites throughout the region.
US military bases in these countries
The countries with the most US troops include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. These installations serve as critical centers for air and naval operations, regional logistics, intelligence gathering, and force projection.
Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar) – The largest US military base in the Middle East, established in 1996. Covering an area of 24 hectares (60 acres), the base houses about 100 aircraft and drones. The base, which houses about 10,000 troops, serves as the forward headquarters for the 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 is located on the site of the former British naval installation, HMS Jufair. The base is home to approximately 9,000 Department of Defense personnel, including military and civilian employees. Home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, the base provides security to ships, aircraft, troops and remote sites in the region.
Camp Arifjan (Kuwait) – Camp Arifjan is a major US Army base located approximately 55 km (34 mi) southeast of Kuwait City. Built in 1999, it serves as the primary logistics, supply and command hub for US military operations in the Middle East, particularly in the US CENTCOM area of responsibility.
Al-Dhafra Airbase (UAE) – A strategic military base focused on reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and supporting combat air operations. The base houses advanced aircraft such as F-22 Raptor stealth fighters and various surveillance aircraft including drones and AWACS.
Erbil Air Base (Iraq) – Used by the US military for air operations, particularly in northern Iraq and Syria, where troops advise Kurdish and Iraqi forces.
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