Tensions between the United States and Iran are growing, and Pentagon officials face a serious concern: most American military bases in the Middle East are within striking distance of Iran’s missile arsenal. Tehran has repeatedly warned that it has its “fingers on the trigger,” creating anxiety in Washington over the safety of its forces in the region.
Iran’s Missile Arsenal: A Powerful Tool of Deterrence
Iran has developed a broad and powerful collection of ballistic missiles, which experts call a central part of its military strategy. In fact, these missiles act like a “Swiss Army knife” for the Iranian government. They are not only used for defense but also serve as tools for warning, coercion, and potential retaliation.
Moreover, Iran reportedly has about 2,000 mid-range ballistic missiles capable of striking targets across the Middle East. In addition, it has a large number of shorter-range missiles that can reach US bases in the Gulf. As a result, these weapons give Iran the ability to threaten key military facilities without relying on a large air force or advanced aircraft.
U.S.–Iran talks resume in Oman as missile dispute threatens fragile nuclear diplomacy
Among the most powerful are the Khorramshahr and Sejjil missiles, which can travel up to 2,000 kilometers. This means that bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and even parts of southeastern Europe are within reach. Iran also possesses Emad and Ghadr-1 missiles, with ranges up to 1,700 kilometers, while Fattah-1, Haj Qasem, and Kheibar Shekan missiles can cover 1,400 kilometers. Even shorter-range missiles, like the Dezful with a 1,000-kilometer range, are capable of hitting key bases in Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and eastern Saudi Arabia.
US Bases Across the Middle East Are Within Range
Several major US military bases are exposed to Iran’s missile threat:
- Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar: Within the reach of Khorramshahr, Sejjil, Emad, and Ghadr-1 missiles.
- Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq: Targeted by a range of medium and short-range missiles.
- Al Dhafra Air Base in UAE: Vulnerable to Emad, Ghadr-1, and Dezful missiles.
- Camp Arifjan in Kuwait: Threatened by shorter-range systems like Dezful.
- Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia: Within range of Dezful and other medium-range missiles.
- Incirlik Air Base in Turkey and US installations in Jordan and Syria: Covered by Emad and Ghadr-1 missiles.
Middle East on edge as UAE draws red line and US warships move closer to Iran
These bases are key to US operations in the Middle East, serving as hubs for logistics, command, intelligence, and air missions. The fact that most of them are within the strike range of at least one Iranian missile adds pressure on Pentagon planners.
Even shorter-range missiles are highly dangerous because they can hit critical bases quickly, leaving little time for warning or response. This reality underscores how Iran’s missile forces have become a core element of its military deterrence strategy.
Pentagon Faces Strategic Challenges
For the US military, the proximity of Iran’s missile arsenal presents a complex challenge. Therefore, defense planners must constantly evaluate the risks to bases in the Gulf and nearby regions. Protecting personnel, aircraft, and other assets requires not only advanced missile defense systems but also careful planning and heightened security protocols.
U.S. Navy turns to F/A-XX fighter as Iran’s air defenses challenge Super Hornets
Furthermore, Iran’s growing missile capabilities highlight a persistent threat that the US cannot ignore. With ultra-heavy warheads and versatile medium-range systems, Iran designs its missile arsenal to cover a wide array of potential targets. Consequently, these weapons can reach US installations quickly, forcing US forces in the region to operate under constant alert.
As tensions between the US and Iran remain high, the missile range exposes American troops to significant risks. Moreover, as Iran continues to expand and maintain its missile forces, the Pentagon must consider these capabilities in every strategic and tactical decision across the Middle East.