Iran is reportedly preparing its missile forces to launch strikes against American military targets across the Middle East, should the United States enter the growing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Citing US intelligence officials, The New York Times reported that based on classified assessments, corroborated by multiple defense officials, Iran has moved key missile assets into operational positions and activated allied militia networks across the region.
This is seen as part of a broader strategy to deter direct US involvement.
According to the New York Times, Iran has positioned medium- and long-range ballistic missiles, as well as cruise missile platforms, near launch-ready sites inside its territory and in parts of Iraq and Syria under the control of Iranian-aligned militias.
Some of these systems have ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers and are capable of reaching major US installations in the region within minutes.
Iran is also reportedly coordinating with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi forces in Yemen, and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq — groups with a proven track record of launching drone and rocket attacks against US interests.
US military analysts say Tehran’s preparations are intended to serve both as a deterrent and a retaliatory option if the US intervenes militarily in support of Israel, particularly in the event of Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
U.S. Bases Potentially at Risk
ArianaNews.com meanwhile looked at what US bases and installations are within range of Iranian missiles or proxy forces. The results are as follows:
Al Udeid Air Base – Qatar
Significance: Regional command hub for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operations.
Assets: Hosts U.S. Air Force bombers, surveillance aircraft, and refueling tankers.
Risk: High, due to its strategic role and location just 200 miles from Iran.
Al Dhafra Air Base – United Arab Emirates
Significance: Important forward operating location for U.S. fighter jets and surveillance aircraft.
Assets: F-35s, Global Hawk drones.
Risk: High, as it’s within reach of both Iranian missiles and Houthi drones from Yemen.
Camp Arifjan & Ali Al Salem Air Base – Kuwait
Significance: Major logistical hub and troop staging ground.
Assets: Ground forces, Patriot missile defense systems.
Risk: Moderate to high; within range of medium-range missiles and vulnerable to militia activity in Iraq.
Ain al-Asad Air Base – Iraq
Significance: Largest U.S. base in Iraq; has previously been targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles (2020).
Risk: Very high, due to its proximity and exposed position in western Iraq.
Erbil Air Base – Iraqi Kurdistan
Significance: Special operations and intelligence base.
Risk: High; has faced repeated drone attacks by Iran-backed groups in recent years.
Al-Tanf Garrison – Syria
Significance: U.S. special forces base near Syria’s border with Iraq and Jordan.
Risk: High, due to encirclement by Iran-backed militias and limited support infrastructure.
Naval Assets in the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Gulf
Significance: Includes U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain and carrier groups in regional waters.
Risk: Subject to missile or naval mine attacks; the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint.
Strategic Context
Tehran’s missile deployments are viewed as part of its “deterrence by escalation” doctrine, signaling that it is prepared to expand the war beyond Israeli territory if attacked. The Pentagon has responded by increasing force protection at regional bases and deploying additional Patriot and THAAD missile defense batteries.
A senior US official, speaking anonymously, said: “We are closely monitoring Iran’s military posture. Any move against our personnel will be met with an immediate and proportional response.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic backchannels remain active, with efforts underway through European and Gulf intermediaries to de-escalate tensions before open war breaks out across the region.
