Iran strikes cripple 13 US bases, troops operate from scattered sites

At least 13 US military bases across the Middle East have been rendered uninhabitable by coordinated Iranian strikes, forcing thousands of American troops to abandon fortified installations for hotels, office spaces, and temporary sites, according to The New York Times. The unprecedented disruption has fragmented operations, prompting officials to describe the conflict as a “remote war.”

With critical bases unsafe, some troops have been relocated as far as Europe, while others remain in the Middle East but no longer operate from their original installations. “So now much of the land-based military is, in essence, fighting the war while working remotely,” the report said, highlighting the shift in battlefield dynamics.

Despite the upheaval, the Pentagon has intensified its operations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US has carried out more than 7,000 strikes on Iranian targets, calling today’s mission “the largest strike package yet, just like yesterday was.”

Key bases hit, heavy losses

The damage spans key installations in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Port Shuaiba, Ali Al Salem Air Base, and Camp Buehring in Kuwait were heavily hit, with a strike on Port Shuaiba destroying an Army tactical operations center and killing six US service members.

Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar suffered radar system damage, while Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet headquarters saw its communications equipment targeted by a one-way attack drone. In Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan Air Base experienced strikes that damaged refuelling tankers and communications systems, further disrupting operations.

Operational challenges mount

The dispersal of troops to “alternative sites” has raised concerns over operational effectiveness. “Yes, we have the ability to set up expedient operation centers, but you’re absolutely going to lose capability,” said Master Sgt. Wes J. Bryant, a retired Air Force targeting specialist. While troops are not literally on hotel rooftops, officials acknowledge the limitations of such scattered setups.

Satellite imagery access restricted

In parallel, US-based spatial intelligence firms Planet Labs and Vantor have tightened access to satellite imagery of Iran, the Gulf States, and conflict zones to prevent adversaries from exploiting geospatial data. Planet Labs has temporarily restricted new commercial imagery for two weeks, while Vantor implemented similar measures. Both companies confirmed limited imagery remains available to journalists, though US and allied troop positions are excluded.

Iran expands threats

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has urged civilians to report relocated US troop locations, raising new safety concerns. Iran’s strikes have extended beyond military sites to embassies and energy infrastructure, affecting global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The crisis has cast doubt on whether Washington adequately prepared for Iran’s retaliation. Decades of US military buildup in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—once seen as strategic depth—have now become vulnerabilities against Iran’s missile capabilities. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said layered defenses are protecting US forces, but additional measures are being implemented.