Iran is attacking US bases in the Middle East with a barrage of missiles. Some days ago, satellite images from China revealed significant changes at these bases, indicating an increase in fighter jets, tankers, and missile defense systems. Images from Planet Labs and Reuters clearly show changes at sites in Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Tensions Between the US and Iran
President Donald Trump seeks a nuclear deal with Iran while demanding a halt to its ballistic missile program. Iran has outrightly refused, escalating the conflict. The US naval base in Bahrain has been targeted. Last year, the US conducted strikes on Iran's nuclear sites.
Also Read: US-Israel Iran Strike Live: Full-Scale War in the Middle East as Iran Rains Missiles
What Do Satellite Images Show?
Satellite images from Planet Labs reveal significant alterations at US bases between January and February 2026...
Source: aajtak
Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar:
The headquarters of the US Central Command. The number of aircraft has increased from January 17 to February 1. Patriot Missile Launchers have been deployed to defend against Iranian missiles.
Source: aajtak
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan:
Between January 25 and February 2, dozens of F-15E fighter jets, A-10 ground attack aircraft, and MQ-9 drones arrived, located close to Iran.
Source: aajtak
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia:
C-5 Galaxy and C-17 transport aircraft, which carry heavy equipment, are visible.
There is also an increase in aircraft at other locations like Oman and Diego Garcia. Overall, the deployment of fighter jets, tankers, and defense systems has increased.
US Military Bases in the Middle East
Bahrain...
The US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters is in Bahrain and is crucial for maritime security, covering the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Also Read: Trump's Threat - We Will Destroy Iran's Missiles... Discover the Underground Missile City
Qatar...
Al Udeid Air Base, situated in the desert outside Doha, spans 24 hectares. It's the headquarters of the US Central Command, overseeing military operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan. Approximately 10,000 US troops are stationed here. In January, the US Central Command established a new coordination cell (MEAD-CDOC) to strengthen regional air and missile defense.
Kuwait...
Kuwait hosts several large military bases, including Camp Arifjan, the headquarters for the US Army Central. Ali Al Salem Air Base is approximately 40 km from the Iraqi border, known as "The Rock" for its isolation and rugged terrain. Camp Buehring, established during the 2003 Iraq War, serves as a staging post for US forces deploying to Iraq and Syria.
Source: aajtak
United Arab Emirates (UAE)...
Al Dhafra Air Base, south of Abu Dhabi, shared with the UAE Air Force, is a vital hub for the US Air Force, supporting operations against ISIS and reconnaissance missions in the region. Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, though not an official base, is the largest port-of-call for the US Navy in the Middle East, frequented by aircraft carriers and other ships.
Iraq...
Ayn al Asad Air Base in Iraq, located in western Anbar province, supports Iraqi security forces and contributes to NATO missions. In response to the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, Iran launched missile strikes here in 2020. Erbil Air Base in the northern Kurdistan region is a center for training and intelligence sharing for US and coalition forces.
Also Read: US Targets Khamenei's Residence... Discover Where the Supreme Leader's Secret Base Lies
Saudi Arabia...
By 2024, 2321 US troops were present in Saudi Arabia, collaborating with the Saudi government, providing air and missile defense. Some troops are stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base, located 60 km south of Riyadh, equipped with Patriot missile batteries and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems.
Source: aajtak
Jordan...
The Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base, 100 km northeast of Amman in Azraq, houses the US Air Force Central's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, engaged in missions throughout the Levant.
Turkey...
Together, Turkey and the US operate Incirlik Air Base in southern Adana province, where US nuclear weapons are stored. The base supports coalition efforts against ISIS. Turkey hosts 1465 US troops.
