Iran War Damages 2 Key US Bases as Allies Question American Security Guarantees
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 19
Iran War Damages 2 Key US Bases as Allies Question American Security Guarantees
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 19
Summary
Bahrain and Qatar emerged from the 106-day Iran war with key U.S. facilities hit or unusable, undercutting the military umbrella Washington offers regional partners.
The Navy base in Bahrain was evacuated before an Iranian strike damaged it, while the Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid in Qatar is reportedly inoperable.
That damage is pushing allies to reassess the costs of hosting U.S. forces; a Qatari scholar said Gulf citizens are asking whether basing American troops is worth the risk.
The doubts come despite Trump declaring the war over and a victory, even as Iran's government and nuclear program remain intact and Washington faces more than $100 billion in war costs plus at least $300 billion in reconstruction commitments.
After a $100B war, America funds its adversary’s reconstruction. What is the true cost of 'victory'?
Iran's cheap drones defeated billion-dollar defenses. Is the era of the American super-base over?
With American protection promises broken, are its key Middle East alliances collapsing?
Operation Epic Fury’s Aftermath: Massive U.S. Losses, $29B Price Tag, and a New Middle East Order
Overview
Operation Epic Fury caused major losses for the U.S. military, with 42 aircraft—including drones—lost or damaged, and significant physical damage to assets. The crash of a Boeing AH-64 Apache off Oman, where both crew survived, marked a notable incident, while six airmen died in a KC-135 crash in Iraq. These events led to immediate strategic challenges and highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. operations. The conflict’s fallout forced a rethinking of military strategies, exposed the fragility of centralized facilities, and triggered broader regional and global shifts in alliances and economic stability.