The US administration is re-evaluating its military strategy in the Middle East due to the increasing threat of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles from Iran. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing US officials and an analysis of satellite images.
According to the publication, recent Iranian strikes caused more damage than officially disclosed to the US Navy's Naval Support Activity Bahrain base in Bahrain. Satellite images revealed significant destruction at the base's command center, communication terminals, and barracks where military personnel resided.
According to preliminary expert estimates, the restoration of the damaged base could cost the United States between $386 million and $400 million.
Against this backdrop, the Pentagon is preparing changes to its regional strategy, taking into account Iran's modern military capabilities. The new plan includes restoring the base in Bahrain and relocating command posts to underground shelters.
Additionally, the partial reduction of US military contingents and activities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia is being discussed. The WSJ notes that these discussions were also influenced by Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow its airspace to be used for operations against Iran.
Washington also plans to relocate some key logistics and aviation facilities to regions less at risk of being direct targets for Iranian missiles. Within this framework, increasing the role of military infrastructure in Israel and Jordan is also among the options being considered.