Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on US Bases in Middle East 2026

Iran has launched a series of retaliatory strikes against US military bases across the Middle East, including a reported attack on the US naval base in Bahrain, following a joint US-Israel operation targeting Iranian sites.

Massive plumes of black smoke were reported near the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, although the extent of the damage remains unclear. Authorities in Bahrain confirmed that Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to logistical and anti-mine vessels, was targeted. The US has not yet issued an official comment.

Elsewhere in the region, countries hosting US forces—including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait—reported intercepting missiles fired toward their territories. Qatar’s defense ministry confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted several missiles aimed at the al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US installation in the region. In Jordan, two ballistic missiles were successfully intercepted with no reported casualties.

The UAE described the strikes as “a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,” reporting some material damage and one civilian fatality in Abu Dhabi from falling debris. Israel also activated nationwide sirens as it intercepted numerous missiles launched by Iran.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attacks are part of “Operation Truthful Promise 4,” launched in response to Saturday’s joint US-Israel strike on areas linked to Iranian leadership. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US-Israel attack as “wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate,” asserting that Iranian forces are prepared to defend the country and retaliate against aggressors.

The US maintains approximately 13 military bases across the Middle East, with 30,000 to 40,000 troops deployed across the region. This escalation marks a significant spike in tensions, raising concerns over potential wider conflict and implications for regional security and global energy supply chains.

Saudi Arabia has previously condemned Iranian violations in the Gulf and called on the international community to uphold regional sovereignty and stability, reflecting rising tensions between Tehran and Gulf states.