Didn't aim to hit Israeli hospital, says Iran; real target was military and intel base

Iran said that the main target of the attack was the Israeli Army Command and Intelligence Base (IDF C4I) and the Army Intelligence Camp in Gav-Yam Technology Park read more
Iran has said that it did not aim to hit a hospital while striking Israel on Thursday, saying that its missile was meant to target military and intelligence bases.
Earlier today, Israel said that Iranian missiles hit Soroka Hospital , situated in the southern part of the country, causing damage to the health facility and leaving several people injured.
'The main target of the attack was the Israeli Army Command and Intelligence Base (IDF C4I) and the Army Intelligence Camp in Gav-Yam Technology Park, located in the vicinity of the Soroka Hospital,' state news agency IRNA said.
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Airstrikes were also reported in the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Holon and Beersheba. A spokesperson for the hospital reported 'damage to the hospital and extensive damage in various areas. We are currently assessing the damage, including injuries. We ask the public not to come to the hospital at this time'.
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At least 47 people have been left injured, with three people in serious condition and two in moderate condition. The attacks have drawn condemnation from several Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
'This morning, Iran's terrorist tyrants launched missiles at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba and at a civilian population in the center of the country. We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran,' Netanyahu said.
Defence Minister Katz, meanwhile, said in a statement: 'These are some of the most serious war crimes – and (Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei will be held accountable for his actions.'
'The Prime Minister and I have ordered the (military) to intensify strikes against strategic targets in Iran and against the power infrastructure in Tehran, in order to eliminate the threats to the State of Israel and to shake the ayatollahs' regime,' he added.
Israel's national ambulance service said that the floor of the hospital, which was hit on Thursday, had been evacuated a day earlier. According to reports, over 20 missiles were launched from Iran earlier on Thursday.
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Indian Express

18 minutes ago

• Indian Express

With its strikes against Iran, US may be wading into a conflict it cannot manage

In what may prove to be a defining moment for Donald Trump's presidency, in the early hours of June 22, the US directly entered the Israel-Iran war. In a swift operation, US planes targeted three nuclear sites in Iran and retreated. The American media reported that US B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped 30,000-pound, GPS-guided, bunker buster bombs — GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) — on the underground site at Fordow, while the other two sites at Natanz and Isfahan were targeted by Tomahawk missiles. Breaking the news on Truth Social, Trump ended his post with 'Now is the time for peace.' The assertion seems to flow from his oft-repeated doctrine of 'Peace through strength'. However, the history of US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, based on the same doctrine, certainly brought no peace to either of these nations or to the US. The bloodshed continued for years and extremist groups like al Qaeda and Daesh/Islamic State emerged from these wars to haunt the world. Could the US get bogged down with yet another war? What would it mean for Trump? Trump has often stated that his objective is to ensure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons. However, over the past few weeks, Trump clearly listed two goals and one aspiration. The first goal was that Iran should negotiate a deal for a peaceful nuclear programme and totally give up enrichment capability, and the second goal was that Iran should surrender in the war with Israel. His aspiration was to see a regime change in Iran; he had even threatened possible action in this regard in the future. Has the targeting of three nuclear sites brought Trump closer to achieving his goals and aspirations? Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasised that Iran will not bring its nuclear programme to 'zero'. A couple of hours after the US airstrikes, Iran restarted air attacks on targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa in Israel. Iranian officials have claimed that Fordow had been 'completely emptied and evacuated' a long time ago and that it did not suffer 'irreversible' damage. It is not hard to imagine Iran taking precautions by taking a cue from the US airstrikes on Houthi targets earlier. Western media reports had indicated that since late-March, the US had deployed six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers at the base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. These bombers were reportedly used to drop a GBU-57 MOP on underground Houthi targets in Yemen, while the US was engaged in warding off attacks on US vessels in the Red Sea. Initially developed for 'psychological' effect, the 'MOP' was perhaps used to achieve a deal with the Houthis — which happened in May — with both sides pledging not to attack each other. It would be hard to ascertain whether uranium-enriching centrifuges and the stock of enriched uranium remain intact, without having international inspections or invading Iran. Moreover, Russia has clearly warned against the targeting of the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. Apart from the presence of hundreds of Russians building more nuclear facilities at the site, Russia had warned that an attack on the plant would have consequences comparable to the Chernobyl accident in the former USSR in 1986. The Chernobyl accident led to prolonged release into the atmosphere of large quantities of radioactive substances, including gases, aerosols and finely fragmented nuclear fuel particles. Due to specific conditions such as graphite fires and winds, radioactivity had spread across the northern hemisphere, mainly Europe, and was also recorded in the US, Canada and Japan. The targeting of nuclear sites which are not nuclear power plants, with the objective of destroying centrifuges used for uranium enrichment, remains a dangerous proposition too. These nuclear sites may also be storage sites for radioactive material, including Spent Fuel or High Level Waste (HLW), or even a research reactor. It is a great relief to the global community that the head of the Iranian National Centre for Nuclear Safety System has confirmed that no radioactive contamination or nuclear radiation was detected outside the targeted sites. By mid-morning, the IAEA too informed that no increase in 'off-site radiation levels' had been reported. The Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission independently confirmed the same for all Gulf Cooperation Council States. The Kuwaiti National Guard too stated that the radiation levels in the air and water remained stable across the country. The fallout of targeting nuclear sites is and will remain the key concern for regional and global nations, a fact the US cannot ignore. By naming his successors, the supreme leader of Iran has ensured that the regime remains intact in any eventuality. The US attacks on nuclear sites in a country that takes pride in its scientific prowess are likely to solidify public support for the supreme leader as a rallying point. In the Israel-Iran war, sabotage, miscalculations or accidents could still draw US troops into the theatre. It might be recalled that about 125,000 US and British troops had invaded Iraq in March 2003 to oust Saddam Hussein, trapping the US in a bloody war which, over eight years, killed 4,400 of its soldiers and injured several thousands. The US withdrew fully by December 2011, but the destabilisation of the region saw the emergence of Daesh in Iraq around 2012 and the rise of a Caliphate. The US-led coalition was forced to return to the theatre in 2014. The rest is history. As more questions will be asked about the remaining capability of Iran, will the US continue to indulge in adventurism that could result in nuclear catastrophe for the region and beyond? Trump's economic plans would come to a standstill if he needs to manage the physical, political and legal fallout of such actions. With the airstrikes, the US has lost the power to bring Iran to the negotiating table on its own. It would need help from Russia and Europe, and maybe also China, to pursue nuclear talks with Iran. The world is in a dangerous phase. The writer is a security analyst and former director general of police

The Print

24 minutes ago

• The Print

B-2 stealth bombers, 6 ‘bunker busters'—how US strikes on Iran unfolded

This article delves into the details of the strike, the targeted sites, the B-2 bomber, the MOP weapon, comparable munitions, and the potential damage inflicted. On 22 June at 0230 hours (2.30 am) local time in Iran, the United States Air Force (USAF) dropped bombs on three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation, described by President Donald Trump as a 'spectacular success', marked the first combat use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) and showcased the unparalleled capabilities of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. As President Donald Trump gave Iran a two-week deadline on 19 June, the world expected diplomacy to play out for some more time. A mere two days later, he ordered the United States Air Force to bomb Iran. Attack profile The airstrike was carried out by a formation of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, departing from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The bombers flew over 40 hours to Fordow in a round-trip mission. The likely route involved a trans-Pacific flight and was supported by multiple mid-air refuellings by KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Surprisingly, the movement of the B-2 bombers and the Stratotankers was being widely reported on X. Despite the obvious loss of surprise, the formation executed the mission without any significant interference from the Iranians. The approach over Iran was made from the Arabian Sea, from vectors where SEAD/DEAD (Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defences) operations had already degraded Iranian air defence significantly. It must be noted that Israel had executed these SEAD missions as part of Operation Rising Lion, launched on 13 June. The attack profile used the B-2's stealth capabilities: the aircraft can fly at approximately 50,000 feet (15,240 metres) and a speed of about 0.95 Mach (1173.06 kilometres per hour) to evade detection. Each B-2 bomber deployed carried two 30,000-pound (13,600 kilograms) GBU-57 MOP bombs. A US official confirmed that GBU-57s were dropped on Fordow and Natanz, six of them at the former site, which is more fortified. These strikes were also reportedly aided by submarine-launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) at Natanz and Isfahan. Since the GBU-57 is essentially a 'gravity' bomb, the attack profile required the B-2s to fly close to the targets, exposing them to potential residual Iranian defences. The launch had to be made from within a precise 'bucket', requiring accurate piloting during the attack run. Also read: Iran's brutal regime is facing a reckoning. Consequences of US attack will go beyond Tehran Nuclear sites targeted 1. Fordow Anticipating an aerial attack from specialist weapons, the Iranians constructed a facility 300 feet (91 metres) beneath a mountain near Qom, called the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. It is Iran's most fortified nuclear enrichment facility. Built into a cave complex and reinforced with layers of concrete, it is designed to withstand conventional attacks. Fordow is protected by Russian-supplied air defence systems, though Israeli strikes had significantly degraded those to a level not considered threatening. The facility is critical to Iran's nuclear programme, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reporting in May 2025 that Fordow was enriching uranium to 60 per cent purity, taking it closer to the levels required for nuclear weapons. The site's depth and hardening posed a unique challenge. The only weapon that could possibly strike targets that deep was the GBU-57 MOP. Reportedly, the MOP can penetrate up to 200 feet (61 metres) of rock or concrete, requiring multiple hits at the same point to breach 300 feet of rock. 2. Natanz Natanz is Iran's oldest, largest, and most widely known uranium enrichment site. It features both underground as well as above-ground structures. The underground complex is not very deep, likely buried at only 20-30 feet (6-9 metres). While less fortified than Fordow, Natanz's underground centrifuges are critical to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Israeli strikes on 12 June, as part of the opening wave of Operation Rising Lion, damaged surface infrastructure. While the underground structures were targeted, the damage remains unknown. It made operational sense to strike this site again. The US used the GBU–57 and the Tomahawk missiles to ensure comprehensive destruction. 3. Isfahan The Isfahan nuclear research facility, less hardened than Fordow or Natanz, supports Iran's nuclear fuel cycle and research activities. The facility housed a Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF), which converts uranium ore concentrate (yellowcake) into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), a gaseous form used for enrichment, and uranium oxide (UO2), used in nuclear fuel production. Incidentally, the enriched uranium at this site was kept under IAEA safeguards. It was struck primarily with the Tomahawks, targeting surface infrastructure. While not a primary enrichment site, Isfahan's role in Iran's nuclear programme made it a strategic target in disrupting Tehran's broader capabilities. Also read: Trump's seduction of Asim Munir won't get him cheap labour to uphold American Peace B-2 Spirit stealth bomber The B-2 Spirit, developed by Northrop Grumman, is the USAF's premier stealth bomber, designed to penetrate sophisticated air defences and deliver precision strikes. The first operational aircraft, named 'Spirit of Missouri', was delivered to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, in December 1993. The total programme cost for 21 B-2 bombers was approximately $45 billion. The B-2's flying-wing design, advanced stealth technology, and significantly large bomb bay made it an ideal platform for this high-risk mission. The B-2 has a range of over 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling, which is extendable to global reach with aerial refuelling. Its internal weapons bays, originally designed for 20,000-pound (9,000 kilograms) payloads, were modified to accommodate two 30,000-pound MOPs. The operating costs for B-2 bombers are substantial, estimated at $135,000 per flight hour, with maintenance requiring specialised facilities. The B-2's ability to carry nuclear and conventional munitions, including the B83 nuclear bomb and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), underscores its versatility. Crew preparation The B-2 Spirit is manned by a two-person crew, consisting of a pilot and mission commander. The crew would have meticulously prepared for this 40-hour mission over Iran. Preparing for an operation such as this typically involves extensive briefings on intelligence, flight routes, targets, and contingencies, alongside likely threats. For some complex missions, the crew would fly in a simulator before undertaking the live mission. Crew members make sure they're well-rested before an operation. During the long flight, they manage to rest by alternating naps in a designated area, using noise-cancelling headsets. Cockpit ergonomics and psychological training help mitigate stress. It must be noted that mental robustness is a key crew selection criterion for a B–2 crew member. They must be well-versed in precise navigation, real-time threat monitoring, and weapons deployment. They may also use approved stimulants like modafinil to enhance alertness, under strict medical oversight, ensuring sustained performance throughout the gruelling mission. The crew members probably breathed easy only after they exited Iranian airspace. Also read: Modi's 'no' to Trump isn't about peace or Pakistan. It's narrative warfare GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator The GBU-57 MOP, developed after the 2003 Iraq War by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and Boeing, is the USAF's most powerful non-nuclear bomb. Designed to destroy deeply buried and hardened targets, it underwent testing from 2007 to 2011, with improvements in fuzing for controlled explosions in confined spaces. The MOP carries a 5,300-pound (2,404 kilograms) warhead of AFX-757 and PBXN-114 explosives. Encased in a high-performance steel alloy, the bomb can penetrate up to 200 feet before detonation. Soil penetration depends on the speed of impact and the composition of the surface. The 20.5-foot-long (6.2 metres) bomb is guided by GPS and an Inertial Navigation Unit (INU), ensuring precision. Each MOP costs approximately $20 million, reflecting its specialised design. Only the B-2 is certified to carry the MOP; the B-52 was tested but not cleared. The unmanned B-21 Raider is being prepared for future use. Israel lacks both the MOP and a compatible platform for it, necessitating US involvement. Comparable weapons 1. B61-11 Nuclear Bomb The B61-11 is a low-to-intermediate yield nuclear weapon in the US arsenal. It was designed specifically for bunker-busting missions to destroy hardened, deeply buried targets such as command bunkers or underground facilities. However, the use of a nuclear weapon carries significant environmental risks besides severe geopolitical ramifications. 2. GBU-43/B MOAB The GBU-43/B MOAB (Massive Ordnance Air Blast), nicknamed the 'Mother of All Bombs', is primarily a thermobaric weapon that uses atmospheric oxygen to create a massive blast wave and intense heat. This bomb is released from an MC-130E Combat Talon or a similar cargo aircraft like the C-130, using a drogue parachute to stabilise descent. Unlike the GBU-57 MOP, it is not carried by bombers like the B-2 Spirit. There is only one known use of this bomb. On 13 April 2017, a single GBU 43 was used against an Islamic State: the Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) tunnel complex in Achin District, in Afghanistan. Dropped by an MC-130, it achieved mixed results. The results were not found commensurate with the strategic risk of collateral damage and the high cost of the weapon. 3. FOAB Not to be left behind by the media attention garnered by the 'Mother of All Bombs', Russia tested its own thermobaric weapon, calling it FOAB (Father of All Bombs). Tested in 2007, the Russians claimed four times more destructive power than the MOAB. Its specifications are disputed, and it lacks the MOP's penetration capability, limiting its relevance to hardened targets. 4. Grand Slam The Grand Slam, officially designated as the 'Bomb, Medium Capacity, 22,000 lb', was a massive conventional bomb developed by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War 2. It was one of the largest and most powerful weapons used in the war, designed as an 'earthquake bomb' to destroy heavily fortified or underground targets by creating shockwaves through the ground. It was used to target hardened German infrastructure. Damage assessment President Trump claimed the strikes 'completely and totally obliterated' Iran's nuclear facilities. The facilities at Natanz and Isfahan likely suffered significant damage from the Tomahawks, but credible battle damage assessment (BDA) is pending. Satellite imagery from Maxar depicted 'unusual truck and vehicular activity' at Fordow before the attack, suggesting Iran may have moved critical assets. Appearing on state-run TV, the deputy political director of Iran's state broadcaster, Hassan Abedini, said that the country 'didn't suffer a major blow because the materials had already been taken out'. Intelligence and defence analysts suggest that the strikes set Iran's nuclear programme back by years, but did not eliminate its knowledge base. The fate of approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium kept at Isfahan is also unknown. The operation's success hinges on whether Fordow's enrichment capabilities were disabled—a question that awaits further intelligence and imagery analysis. Also read: US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites draw Israel's praise, China calls it 'repeat of Iraq mistake' Radiological fallout The IAEA released a statement following the strikes on X. 'Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow – the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time. IAEA will provide further assessments on situation in Iran as more information becomes available,' the post read. This statement does not offer any proof of the success or failure of the mission. What it does tell us is that enriched uranium was not directly hit. The airstrikes undertaken by the B-2 bombers on Iran's nuclear sites were a bold demonstration of US military power. The unique capability presented by the MOP takes away the concept of safe sanctuary and hardening of targets. With each B-2 costing over $2 billion, however, one cannot forget that such capabilities come at an immense cost. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat is a retired IAF fighter pilot. He tweets @Ahlawat2012. Views are personal. (Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)

The Print

24 minutes ago

• The Print

From Qatar to Bahrain, mapping US military presence in Middle East as US enters Israel-Iran conflict

Fox News reported that Trump had spoken privately to its news presenter Sean Hannity, telling him that the US had 'completely obliterated' Iran's Fordow nuclear facility using six bunker-buster bombs dropped from three B-2 stealth bombers. Hannity further said that according to the president, the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites were 'wiped out' by 30 Tomahawk missiles launched from US submarines stationed approximately 400 miles (643 km) away. US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes in a series of posts on Truth Social, shortly before addressing the nation from the White House. He said that the operation targeted Iran's nuclear complexes at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, describing it as a 'spectacular success' and warning that further action could follow, if Iran did not pursue peace. New Delhi: The United States carried out coordinated air and missile strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions and signalling Washington's direct entry into the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The Iranian government strongly condemned the strikes at the nuclear facilities, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi describing the attack as 'dangerous, lawless and criminal', and saying that Iran reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and interests. 'The events this morning are outrageous and will have lasting consequences,' Araghchi wrote on X. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had warned Wednesday that US military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict would trigger 'irreparable' consequences. Following Sunday's strikes, Iranian state television aired a regional map highlighting American military bases in the Middle East, accompanied by the message, 'Mr. Trump, you started it, and we will end it.' JUST IN: Iranian state television displays a graphic of U.S. bases in the Middle East titled: "Within the fire range of Iran." "Mr. Trump, you started it, and we will end it." — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 22, 2025 As the possibility of Iranian retaliation and a deepening US role in the rapidly worsening conflict looms, ThePrint maps the extensive network of US military bases and assets across the region and their positioning in the unfolding conflict. Also Read: Why Fordow, Natanz & Isfahan facilities struck by US are critical to Iran's nuclear ambitions 19 military bases In the latest available estimate, a US defence official told American think tank Council on Foreign Relations that as of June 2025, approximately 40,000 American soldiers were deployed across the Middle East, many of them aboard naval vessels operating under US Central Command (CENTCOM)—a significant reduction from the height of US military involvement in the region, when troop levels peaked at 160,000 in Iraq in 2007, and 100,000 in Afghanistan in 2011. The US currently maintains military facilities at no fewer than 19 sites across the Middle East, with at least eight reported to be permanent. These installations span countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. While most fall under the jurisdiction of CENTCOM, key bases in Djibouti and Turkey, though part of separate regional commands, frequently support American military operations in the Middle East. All of these host countries mentioned above have formal basing agreements with the US, with the exception of Syria, where US deployments had long been opposed by the Bashar Assad government. However, in May 2025, diplomatic ties between the two countries began to thaw, after Trump announced plans to lift sanctions and move toward normalising relations. Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar At the forefront of the US military footprint in the Middle East is Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha in Qatar. This base is widely considered the largest US military installation in the region, in terms of both personnel and operational capability. The base hosts an estimated 10,000 American troops and supports more than 100 aircraft, including surveillance drones, aerial refuelling tankers and strategic bombers. It also serves as the forward headquarters for CENTCOM and Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT), enabling the coordination of air and support operations across Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. Al Udeid's runway reportedly can accommodate the US military's largest aircraft, including B-52 bombers and C-17 Globemasters, giving it immense strategic value for long-range strike and logistical missions. Recent satellite imagery showed a sharp drop in the number of visible aircraft at this base, suggesting a repositioning of key assets amid heightened regional tensions. Furthermore on Thursday, the US Embassy in Qatar issued a security alert, temporarily restricting its personnel from accessing the Al Udeid Air Base. The advisory urged heightened vigilance among embassy staff and US nationals in the country, citing 'an abundance of caution' amid escalating regional tensions. Naval Support Activity, Bahrain In Bahrain, the US Navy operates its regional maritime command out of Naval Support Activity (NSA) in the capital city of Manama. Built on the grounds of the former British naval facility HMS Jufair, the base now serves as the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet. It is reported to support between 8,000 and 9,000 military and civilian personnel, and provides command and logistical support for US naval operations spanning the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Red Sea, critical waterways for global energy flows, and maritime trade. From this command, carrier strike groups, submarines, destroyers and maritime patrol aircraft are coordinated to ensure sea lane security and maintain a steady deterrent posture in a volatile maritime environment. Currently, several US Navy ships are homeported there, including four mine countermeasure vessels and two logistical support ships. The US Coast Guard also maintains a presence, reportedly operating six fast response cutters out of Bahrain. Camp Arifjan, Kuwait To the north, Camp Arifjan in Kuwait serves as the US Army's principal logistics and sustainment hub in the region. Located approximately 55 kilometers southeast of Kuwait City, the base was established in the wake of the Gulf War and has evolved into a central transit and support point for US forces moving through the CENTCOM area of responsibility. The base plays a key role in warehousing prepositioned military equipment, including armored vehicles and missile defence systems, while also supporting command-and-control, intelligence and cyber operations that underpin the US Army's regional footprint. Al Asad Air Base, Iraq In western Iraq's Anbar province, Al Asad Air Base is one of the largest and most fortified American military installations in the region. Originally built by Saddam Hussein in the 1980s and captured by US forces in 2003, the base features two 13,000-foot runways capable of handling heavy-lift aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III and C-5M Super Galaxy. At its peak during the Iraq War, Al Asad supported over 20,000 US and coalition troops, with full-scale infrastructure, including hardened aircraft shelters, radar facilities, drone launch sites and logistics compounds. Today, it hosts a smaller contingent of US and Iraqi forces operating under a joint command, primarily focused on intelligence-sharing, quick-reaction forces and counter-ISIS surveillance missions. Erbil Air Base, Iraq Further north, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, the Erbil Air Base serves as a forward operating location for US special operations forces and counter-terrorism missions. Although smaller in scale than Iraq's Al Asad Air Base, Erbil has grown in operational importance due to its proximity to northeastern Syria and its role in coordinating with the Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi Security Forces. This base has been critical in advisory, intelligence and quick-reaction missions, particularly in targeting the remnants of the Islamic State, and monitoring Iran-backed militia activity along the Syria-Iraq corridor. Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE In the United Arab Emirates, the US maintains a strategically important presence at Al Dhafra Air Base, located just south of Abu Dhabi. While smaller than Al Udeid in Qatar, Al Dhafra is reported to host some of the most advanced US air assets, including F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, E-3 AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), KC-10 aerial refueling tankers and MQ-9B Reaper drones. The base is essential to the US military's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) network, and also serves as a launch point for rapid strike missions across the Gulf, Iraq And Syria. Given its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, Al Dhafra is further viewed as a frontline asset in any potential escalation involving Iran, and the US has made substantial investments in hardening its infrastructure there. Incirlik Air Base, Turkey Outside US Central Command's area of responsibility and operating under US European Command (EUCOM), Incirlik Air Base in Turkey also remains a strategically vital outpost. Located near the city of Adana, just 70 kilometers from the Syrian border, the base offers rapid access to conflict zones in Syria and Iraq, areas where Iranian-backed militias and proxy groups maintain a significant footprint. Incirlik has historically supported both US and NATO operations across the region and is widely reported to house up to 50 B61 tactical nuclear bombs under NATO's nuclear-sharing arrangement. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: What is Strait of Hormuz & why its closure by Iran could disrupt global energy trade