American forces are actively engaged in air defense operations in the Middle East, a US official told Business Insider, as Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes at countries across the region.
The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the military developments, said that US land, air, and naval forces are participating in the air defense operations, including for American bases in the Middle East.
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency said that the IRGC, or Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, launched missiles at US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Read more from Business Insider on the conflict
All four countries host major US military installations. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the largest in the Middle East, while Naval Support Activity Bahrain is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. Kuwait and the UAE also host important bases for ground and air forces.
Qatar’s defense ministry said it shot down Iranian missiles targeting the country in multiple waves. Bahrain’s state news agency said that 5th Fleet was attacked. Rocket shrapnel killed at least one person in the UAE, the country said, adding that it intercepted several incoming munitions.
The Israeli military said it detected multiple waves of missiles fired from Iran, with air defense systems working to intercept them.
Stringer/REUTERS
The US embassies in several Middle East countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan, issued warnings earlier that missile strikes were imminent, warning American citizens to shelter in place.
The US has surged military forces into the region in recent weeks, assembling a substantial presence capable of conducting air defense operations.
More than a dozen US warships, including two aircraft carriers, are operating in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. American fighter jets and air defense batteries are also operating in the region.
President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the US had begun “major combat operations” in Iran aimed at degrading the country’s nuclear and military capabilities. His video statement came shortly after the Israeli government announced that it had carried out a “preemptive” strike against the country.
US ground, air, and naval forces were involved in the strikes, along with Israeli F-35 stealth fighters and F-15 jets. The UK, which has military assets in the Middle East, was not involved in the offensive operations.
The new attacks mark the second time in less than a year that the US has taken direct military action against Iran. In June 2025, American forces bombed Tehran’s nuclear facilities as part of Operation Midnight Hammer.
The US has provided air defense for Israel in previous clashes with Iran, including during the June conflict.
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