On Sunday morning, global attention is focused anxiously on the Middle East as Iran is expected to retaliate for the US attack on its nuclear facilities.
As Israelis are well aware, Iran possesses formidable capabilities in ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and suicide drones, which could aid in striking American targets across the Middle East, and even beyond. The following are some of the targets Iran may choose in response to the US operation:
Al Udeid Air Base – Located in Qatar, this is the largest American military base in the Middle East. It includes a major logistical headquarters and large aircraft that the US would struggle to evacuate quickly. For Iran, the drawback of attacking this facility is that it sits on Qatari soil — a country that maintains friendly relations with Iran and serves as its gateway to interactions with Western nations.
The US Navy's Fifth Fleet – Headquartered in Bahrain, it is a crucial American asset in the Persian Gulf. A strike on the fleet's command center would deal a blow to US prestige in the region but would not be a major operational setback, as all naval assets have left the facility in recent days and the fleet's operations can easily be directed from an aircraft carrier in the area.
Al Asad Air Base – This American base in Iraq was targeted by Iran in 2020 following the killing of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. It is a large base with a significant American presence, but is likely to be well fortified, making it difficult for Iran to replicate its previous success there.
Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia – Another major American installation, home to dozens of fighter jets that serve as the first line of defense for Gulf nations. The downside of attacking it is that it also serves the Royal Saudi Air Force, meaning a strike could drag Riyadh into the conflict and escalate it further.
Diego Garcia Air Base – Located thousands of kilometers from the conflict zone in the Indian Ocean, this strategic bomber base serves as an "aircraft carrier" for the US Air Force and is a symbol of Washington's regional dominance. It is unclear whether Iran possesses missiles capable of striking it, though it has previously threatened to do so.
Naval warfare – Instead of, or alongside, a major missile strike on American targets, Iran could opt for a different path and deliver a blow at sea. Hitting a destroyer or aircraft carrier could serve as a "victory photo" or at least a major achievement for Iran. Mining the Strait of Hormuz could escalate the conflict and apply pressure on the global economy.
