Escalating tensions between Iran and the United States—alongside its ally Israel—have placed several Gulf nations under pressure as they host American military bases that are now becoming targets in the conflict.
Since the crisis intensified on February 28, Iran has launched waves of missiles and drones toward locations hosting U.S. military facilities in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. These countries have found themselves dealing with attacks linked to a war they did not initiate.
Rising Attacks Across the Gulf
Iran’s retaliatory strikes have targeted both military installations and key infrastructure across the Gulf. In the UAE, air defence systems have reportedly intercepted hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones since the conflict began.
Despite a high interception rate, some projectiles have caused damage in cities such as Dubai, where buildings including luxury hotels like Burj Al Arab were reportedly affected. The attacks have also led to flight disruptions, casualties, and damage to infrastructure.
In Qatar, a missile strike hit the Ras Laffan gas facility operated by QatarEnergy, causing significant damage and forcing emergency teams to respond to fires at the site.
Other Gulf nations have also reported intercepting numerous drones and missiles targeting airbases, airports, and other strategic locations.
Strategic Targets: U.S. Military Bases
Reports suggest Iran has targeted at least 27 military facilities linked to American forces across the Middle East. Analysts say the strikes aim to weaken infrastructure used by the U.S. and its allies during military operations.
Security experts from the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs note that the United States maintains a large network of overseas bases, with dozens in the Middle East and more than 160 globally.
According to Professor Joshua Bolarinwa of the institute, such bases are typically maintained by powerful nations with significant financial and military capacity. He added that these facilities allow the U.S. to project power and maintain strategic partnerships worldwide.
Benefits and Risks for Host Countries
Experts say hosting foreign military bases offers advantages such as military training, defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure development.
However, analysts also warn that such facilities can become legitimate targets during armed conflicts.
Research experts note that while host nations may benefit from defence partnerships with the United States, the strategic advantage often lies primarily with the country that owns and operates the base.
As the Middle East conflict continues, the situation highlights a difficult trade-off for host nations: gaining security support from powerful allies while also facing the risk of becoming frontline targets during geopolitical conflicts.
