Washington is reviewing the future of its military bases in the Middle East after Iranian attacks damaged at least 15 US bases and facilities, according to the report. The reassessment comes amid rising US-Iran tensions, a fragile ceasefire and stalled talks. The Pentagon is considering deploying fewer troops or moving forces westward, though no formal decision has been announced.

The United States has about 50,000 personnel at at least 20 bases in and around the Gulf, including facilities in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Reported damage included radar and early-warning systems at Al Udeid in Qatar, naval headquarters, warehouses and communications infrastructure in Bahrain, and aircraft, logistics and support centres in Kuwait.

Analysts said any reduction could affect Gulf states’ confidence in US security commitments and encourage them to reconsider relations with Iran. Gulf countries are strengthening joint defence arrangements and diversifying arms suppliers, but analysts said these steps cannot quickly replace US intelligence, logistics, naval and air capabilities. One proposed alternative is a decentralised access model using rotating deployments, pre-positioned equipment, shared facilities and stronger integrated air and missile defence.