Iranian Missile and Drone Attack Damages US Naval Base in Bahrain, Prompts Strategic Review

A series of Iranian missile and drone attacks on a major US naval base in Bahrain between late February and June caused significant damage, leading the US military to reassess its force protection strategy in the Middle East, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and serves as the command centre for American naval operations in the region, was struck by multiple waves of projectiles. While many were intercepted by air defence systems, some hit their targets, damaging the main command headquarters, over a dozen other buildings, and two satellite communication systems.

The Pentagon has not officially confirmed the full extent of the damage. However, US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the military's primary objective was to protect personnel, not infrastructure. He noted that this strategy succeeded, as only two attacks resulted in US deaths throughout the conflict, despite Iran launching more than 8,000 missiles and drones.

According to Hawkins, US forces struck over 13,500 targets inside Iran, causing significantly more damage than what Tehran inflicted on Washington. The attack, however, exposed vulnerabilities in a base considered one of America's most secure overseas installations. Iran's use of relatively inexpensive missiles and drones to damage expensive US military systems underscored a shift in asymmetric warfare capabilities.

As a result, US military officials are reconsidering the reliance on large, permanent bases close to Iran. Instead, they are exploring options to disperse troops and equipment across multiple locations, strengthen air defences, and improve protection against missile and drone strikes.