Gulf Allies Bear Heavy Toll as Iran Targets U.S. Military Bases in Middle East
The escalating conflict between Iran and the United States-Israel alliance has placed Gulf states hosting American military installations in a precarious position, absorbing the spillover of a war they did not initiate. Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, 2026, countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have faced relentless missile and drone attacks from Iran, targeting U.S. bases and causing collateral damage to civilian infrastructure.
Widespread Attacks and Defensive Efforts
Iran has launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones at these nations, with the UAE alone engaging roughly 294 ballistic missiles and 15 cruise missiles since the conflict began. Emirati air defences have intercepted the majority, but at least 18 missiles fell into the sea, while others struck UAE territory, damaging landmarks like the Fairmont The Palm and Burj Al Arab hotels in Dubai. Reports indicate six fatalities and 141 injuries from these incidents, alongside over 1,600 drones downed by defence systems.
In Saudi Arabia, attacks have targeted the Riyadh region and Eastern Province, with the Ministry of Defence intercepting dozens of drones and at least six ballistic missiles. Qatar has faced multiple assaults, including a strike on the Ras Laffan gas facility on March 18, which caused extensive damage to the world's largest liquefied natural gas export site. Bahraini authorities reported intercepting approximately 125 missiles and 211 drones, while Kuwait dealt with at least 17 missiles and 22 drones, all aimed at critical national assets.
Strategic Implications and Expert Analysis
This development has sparked debates about the cost-benefit analysis of hosting foreign military bases. Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, Head of Security and Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, explains that such bases are primarily a function of a nation's wealth and military capability. He notes that the U.S. maintains about 19 bases in the Middle East, with the largest in Qatar housing over 10,000 personnel, serving to project power and strengthen partnerships.
Bolarinwa highlights benefits for host countries, including joint military patrols, training programmes, and financial assistance, which have enhanced defence capabilities. For instance, Qatar's improved missile defence is attributed to U.S. cooperation. However, Prof. Efem Ubi, Director of Research at NIIA, argues that while host nations gain from defence partnerships, the greater strategic advantage often lies with the base-controlling country, as these installations can deter external threats but also become targets in conflicts.
Risks and Trade-offs
Dr. Philippa Osim Inyang, a Senior Research Fellow at NIIA, points out that hosting military bases involves significant risks. She explains that locations with foreign troops can become legitimate military targets during armed conflicts, as seen with Iran's attacks on U.S. installations. Agreements may offer operational protections but do not guarantee immunity from targeting if bases are used for military operations, forcing host states to balance security cooperation with exposure to conflict risks.
Despite an apology from the Iranian president, attacks have continued, targeting civilian sites like airports and embassies. Gulf states, unwilling to escalate into full-scale war, have borne these assaults with stoic resignation, maintaining high alert levels to minimise damage. This situation underscores the complex dynamics of international military presence and the heavy toll on allies caught in geopolitical crossfires.
