Mideast Crisis: Mounting Risks for Nations Hosting U.S. Military Bases

Rising tensions between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance are placing Gulf countries that host American military bases under increasing pressure, as they grapple with the fallout of a conflict they did not start. A surge in Iranian missile and drone strikes aimed at U.S. facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia has heightened concerns about the security implications of accommodating foreign military presence.

The situation escalated on February 28, when the United States, alongside Israel, carried out attacks on Iran during talks over its nuclear and missile programmes. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the region, targeting U.S. bases and allied sites, effectively drawing host nations into the conflict’s line of fire.

Although these Gulf states have avoided direct involvement in the war, they have remained on constant alert, repeatedly intercepting incoming threats. Iran has continued its attacks despite earlier conciliatory remarks toward the Gulf, with strikes extending beyond military targets to include civilian infrastructure such as airports and embassies.

The UAE has faced some of the heaviest attacks. By mid-March, its defence systems had intercepted close to 300 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and more than 1,600 drones. Despite a high interception rate, some projectiles penetrated defences, resulting in casualties and damage to prominent locations in Dubai. At least six people were killed and over 140 injured, while flight operations were also disrupted.

Saudi Arabia has similarly endured multiple waves of missile and drone attacks, particularly in Riyadh and the Eastern Province, though many were successfully intercepted. In Qatar, which hosts the largest U.S. military base in the region, most incoming threats have been neutralised, but a strike on the Ras Laffan gas facility caused significant damage and required emergency intervention.

Bahrain and Kuwait have also reported intercepting large numbers of missiles and drones aimed at key installations, including airbases and airports. Oman, though less affected, has recorded a number of drone incursions, with several successfully shot down.

Overall, Iran is believed to have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at no fewer than 27 sites hosting U.S. forces across the Middle East. Many of these strikes appear designed to disrupt vital Western-linked assets, including energy infrastructure, shipping networks, and financial systems.

The ongoing attacks have revived debate over the true value of hosting foreign military bases. While such arrangements offer economic benefits, military training, and stronger defence systems, they also increase vulnerability during geopolitical conflicts.

Professor Joshua Bolarinwa of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) notes that only countries with substantial resources and military capability, like the United States, can maintain bases abroad. He estimates that the U.S. operates about 19 bases in the Middle East and over 160 worldwide, using them to reinforce global influence and alliances.

He adds that host countries benefit from joint military exercises, improved defence infrastructure, and enhanced operational capacity—factors that have strengthened nations like Qatar in responding to threats.

However, Professor Efem Ubi points out that the greater strategic advantage often lies with the country controlling the base. While host nations gain security partnerships, they also assume the risks tied to their allies’ conflicts, making such bases both protective assets and potential targets.

Dr Philippa Inyang further underscores this dilemma, explaining that while foreign bases can boost security cooperation and deterrence, they also expose host nations to attack during wartime. According to her, these arrangements reflect a calculated trade-off between strengthened defence ties and increased vulnerability.

As hostilities persist, Gulf nations find themselves balancing the benefits of strategic alliances with the growing dangers of being drawn deeper into external conflicts, highlighting the complex realities of hosting foreign military forces.