The current Middle East scenario is as explosive as it is complex. Israeli strikes have wreaked havoc within Iran, with hundreds of strategic sites heavily bombarded. In retaliation, Iran has targeted several key Israeli cities with missile attacks, causing significant damage.
Amid all this, speculations have intensified that the United States might join the war directly in support of Israel. President Donald Trump has approved plans for a strike on Iran and has instructed the US military to hold off pending final orders.
Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated unequivocally that they are not afraid of President Trump's threats and warned that America will face dire consequences if it joins the Iran-Israel conflict.
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50,000 coffins ready for America - Nabavian
Iran has made it clear that if it gets involved in this war, there will be a heavy price to pay. Recently, Mahmoud Nabavian, Deputy Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, retaliated against America, saying, "It's easier for us to attack US military bases than Israel. If America attacks Iran, they'll need 50,000 coffins ready for their soldiers."
Source: aajtak
Nabavian's statement isn't just empty rhetoric; when we scrutinize the facts, it becomes apparent that his assertion holds some validity. Historically, the US has never directly attacked Iran, even in grave circumstances, preferring to impose sanctions instead.
US bases easy targets in the Middle East
The US has numerous military bases in the Middle East, and if America engages in the conflict, all these airbases will fall within Iran's reach. This is why Iran believes it's easier to target US military installations than Israel. The answer lies in geopolitical strategy, military risks, and technical challenges. Let's delve into this with facts:
Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar):
This is the largest US military base in the Middle East, established in 1996. It houses 10,000 troops and over 100 aircraft and is just 300 kilometers from Iran.
US bases in Iraq:
Over 2,500 US troops are stationed here, fighting against the Islamic State. These bases are near the Iranian border and are easy targets for Iraq.
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Syria-
The US has deployed around 2,000 troops at a military base in northeast Syria, while over 2,500 troops are fighting against the Islamic State and local rebels in Iraq.
Jordan-
Here, American troops conduct joint exercises with the local army and provide modern training. Two US aircraft carriers stationed in the Middle East can transport thousands of troops and dozens of aircraft.
Naval Support Activity (Bahrain):
This US Navy base in the Persian Gulf hosts 9,000 military personnel and is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, equipped with aircraft, troops, and remote sites.
Other locations-
US military bases in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar are within Iran's missile range.
Support from proxy organizations-
Near many of these bases, Iran-backed militias (like Kataib Hezbollah, Houthis, PMF) are already present, making it easier and more effective for Iran to target these bases.
Source: aajtak
Deployment of massive troops-
According to a Council on Foreign Relations report, around 40,000 US troops were stationed in the Middle East as of October 2024, with thousands also present in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
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Advantage of proxy warfare
Iran often doesn't directly engage in attacks but uses its proxy forces for such missions:
Houthi rebels (from Yemen to the Red Sea)
Hezbollah (from Lebanon)
Shia militias (from Iraq and Syria)
Iran recognizes that directly engaging in a war with Israel is challenging, costly, and risky. In contrast, the US bases, more proximate, are weak links allowing Iran to make limited yet symbolic strikes, declaring to the world, “We're still in the game, challenging even America.”
