In a significant move, the United States government announced on Wednesday its plans to commence a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq. This decision comes in light of escalating security concerns across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump stated during a Wednesday evening briefing that the decision was motivated by the potential dangers present in the region. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding American personnel in light of the increasing tensions.
The rising hostilities have been attributed to stalled negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program, alongside Israel’s reiterated warnings of a potential strike on Iran. With these critical diplomatic discussions failing to yield results, the security situation appears to be deteriorating.
In conjunction with the embassy evacuation, the U.S. has authorized the voluntary departure of dependants of American personnel stationed in various countries throughout the Middle East. These locations include Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, further illustrating the breadth of concern regarding regional stability.
The United States has maintained a military presence in the Middle East for several decades. Currently, the U.S. operates a network of military bases in at least 19 locations within the region, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Among these, there are eight permanent bases situated across several key countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This established infrastructure has been fundamental for U.S. military operations and regional influence.
As of mid-2025, it is estimated that there are approximately 40,000 to 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East. This figure includes personnel at both large, permanent bases and smaller forward operating sites.
Countries hosting the most significant numbers of U.S. troops include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. These military installations act as critical hubs for strategic operations, encompassing air and naval missions, logistical support, intelligence gathering, and the projection of military force.
Among the notable U.S. military installations is the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. Established in 1996, this facility covers an area of 24 hectares (60 acres) and accommodates almost 100 aircraft, including drones, and is home to about 10,000 troops. It serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and has played an integral role in operations across Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Additionally, the Naval Support Activity in Bahrain hosts around 9,000 Department of Defense personnel, serving as the home base for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. This base provides crucial security for naval vessels, aircraft, and remote sites throughout the region.
Camp Arifjan in Kuwait operates as a major logistics and supply hub for U.S. military operations, while Al-Dhafra airbase in the UAE focuses on gathering intelligence and supporting combat air missions. With advanced aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor, it underscores the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining a strong military presence in a geopolitically sensitive region.
image source from：https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/12/mapping-us-troops-and-military-bases-in-the-middle-east
