US bases in the Middle East under threat as Iran vows retaliation
The US has thousands of troops deployed on bases across the Middle East - and Iran says they could be legitimate targets
Iran on Sunday threatened military bases used by US forces to launch attacks on the country’s nuclear sites, saying such facilities would be considered legitimate targets.
The following countries have major concentrations of US forces in the Middle East, which fall under the US military’s Central Command (CentCom).
Bahrain
The tiny Gulf kingdom hosts an installation known as Naval Support Activity Bahrain, where the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command headquarters are based.
Several US ships have their home port in Bahrain, including four anti-mine vessels and two logistical support ships. The US coastguard also has vessels in the country, including six fast response cutters.