Report says US reviewing regional posture following damage to Gulf facilities
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is reportedly evaluating options to relocate parts of its military operational infrastructure from Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to Israel following extensive Iranian missile and drone attacks on US facilities during the recent conflict, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The review comes after multiple American military sites across the Middle East reportedly sustained damage during the hostilities. Among the facilities under assessment is the US Navy installation in Bahrain, which has served as the headquarters of American naval operations in the Gulf for more than five decades.
According to the report, one proposal involves constructing a large American military base in Israel’s Negev region or expanding an existing Israeli Air Force base to accommodate US personnel and equipment. The US Department of Defense is also reportedly considering extending defence supply agreements with Israel through 2030 and potentially beyond.
Officials assess costs and strategic implications
The Wall Street Journal reported that rebuilding damaged facilities in Bahrain could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, prompting military planners to examine whether some command centres should instead be relocated or rebuilt underground to improve protection against future attacks.
CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins said the US military prioritised protecting personnel during the conflict and maintained that American forces inflicted greater damage on Iran than they received. He added that, despite thousands of Iranian missiles and drones being launched, only two strikes resulted in US fatalities.
No final decision announced
Officials familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that the attacks have prompted a broader review of the US military footprint across the Middle East. However, no final decision has been announced regarding any relocation of forces or operational headquarters.
Retired US Navy Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan said Washington is unlikely to abandon Bahrain completely because of its longstanding strategic partnership with the kingdom. Meanwhile, some Israeli security officials have expressed support for a greater permanent American military presence, arguing it could strengthen long-term defence cooperation and regional coordination.
Any decision to relocate US military infrastructure would represent a significant strategic shift and is expected to involve extensive diplomatic, logistical and security consultations with regional partners before implementation.
