Bases in the Crosshairs: Where Iran’s Missiles Can Reach
World
Iran’s missile arsenal remains one of the largest and most diverse in the Middle East, capable of striking not only Israel but also key U.S. military facilities across the region. Amid nuclear negotiations and rising tensions, the question of potential targets has returned to the spotlight.
Analysts estimate that after the fighting in the summer of 2025, Iran retained about 1,500 missiles and roughly 200 launchers. Iranian officials, however, say the country has already rebuilt and even expanded its missile capabilities.
Tehran possesses dozens of types of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, from systems with a range of up to 300 kilometers to missiles capable of traveling as far as 2,000 kilometers. This range allows Iran to hit targets not only in Israel but across the entire Arabian Peninsula.
Potential targets include numerous U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain. The latter hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which patrols waters from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
Kuwait hosts several major U.S. facilities, including Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base. In the UAE, a key strategic site is Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi. In Qatar, Al Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command and hosts around 10,000 American troops.
A particularly significant site is Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, jointly operated by Turkish and U.S. air forces. According to Western sources, the base stores U.S. nuclear warheads.
Iran views its ballistic missiles as a key element of strategic deterrence against the United States and its allies. Tehran insists its missile program is not open to negotiations, while Washington continues to push for restrictions.
Against this backdrop, the United States has been strengthening its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft and naval assets to the region. Experts warn that in the event of further escalation, U.S. bases could become primary targets of a potential Iranian strike.
Tehran possesses dozens of types of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, from systems with a range of up to 300 kilometers to missiles capable of traveling as far as 2,000 kilometers. This range allows Iran to hit targets not only in Israel but across the entire Arabian Peninsula.
Potential targets include numerous U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain. The latter hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which patrols waters from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
Kuwait hosts several major U.S. facilities, including Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base. In the UAE, a key strategic site is Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi. In Qatar, Al Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command and hosts around 10,000 American troops.
A particularly significant site is Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, jointly operated by Turkish and U.S. air forces. According to Western sources, the base stores U.S. nuclear warheads.
Iran views its ballistic missiles as a key element of strategic deterrence against the United States and its allies. Tehran insists its missile program is not open to negotiations, while Washington continues to push for restrictions.
Against this backdrop, the United States has been strengthening its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft and naval assets to the region. Experts warn that in the event of further escalation, U.S. bases could become primary targets of a potential Iranian strike.
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