WP: Iran warns Qatar over possible targeting of US bases in Gulf

This week, Iranian officials reportedly warned Qatari authorities that U.S. bases in the Gulf would be considered legitimate targets in retaliation for any American attacks, according to a European official familiar with the sensitive communications.

Tensions remain high as tens of thousands of U.S. troops are stationed across the Middle East, including key bases like Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to the Fifth Fleet, and Qatar’s al-Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. contingent in the region, Caliber.Az reports via The Washington Post.

Other key bases include Camp Buehring and Ali al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, as well as al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

In Iraq, Al-Asad Air Base, located 150 miles west of Baghdad and operated jointly by Iraqi and U.S. forces, houses thousands of American troops. This base has been repeatedly targeted by Iran-backed militias in recent years.

Following the U.S. assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in January 2020, Tehran launched missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq, including Al-Asad, injuring dozens of personnel. Attacks on the base have continued, with missile and drone strikes recorded as recently as August this year.

The threat extends beyond military installations. U.S. embassies and diplomatic compounds in the region are also at risk, prompting the evacuation of some personnel and family members from missions in Iraq and Israel.

Militants funded by Tehran have warned of further attacks. Abu Ali al-Askari, a security official with the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, stated that American bases “will become akin to duck-hunting grounds,” and warned of “unforeseen surprises” for U.S. aircraft operating in the region.

In response, the Pentagon has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting U.S. forces. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of additional defensive capabilities to the Middle East, describing force protection as “our top priority.”

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell reiterated that the defensive posture of American troops remains unchanged.

Heightened concerns over security have led airlines Air France and KLM to cancel flights to and from Dubai International Airport, citing the regional situation as the reason for the suspension.

While U.S. military bases in the Middle East may play a supporting role, major offensive strikes could be launched from outside the region.

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and capable of carrying bunker-busting munitions needed to target Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility, has previously flown nonstop missions exceeding 30 hours to the Middle East.

Another strategic launch point is Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a remote atoll in the Indian Ocean jointly operated by the U.S. and British navies. Analysts estimate B-2 bombers could reach Iranian targets within five to six hours from Diego Garcia.

This base has been utilised in past strikes on Iraq and Afghanistan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev