IRAN-RUSSIA MISSILE TIES: Russia is reportedly helping Iran develop a new generation of supersonic cruise missiles under a covert programme codenamed C430L, according to a Financial Times investigation. The reported collaboration involves Russian missile specialists assisting Iranian engineers with ramjet technology that could potentially allow Tehran to develop faster and harder-to-intercept cruise missiles.

The revelations come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, with Iranian missile attacks targeting U.S. military positions across West Asia. If successfully developed and deployed, such missiles could pose a greater threat to U.S. warships and military infrastructure in the Gulf.

The reported Russia-Iran cooperation also highlights the deepening military relationship between Moscow and Tehran. However, there is currently no evidence that a Russian-assisted supersonic cruise missile has entered operational Iranian service

IRAN-RUSSIA MISSILE TIES | Russia Allegedly Helps Iran Develop Supersonic Cruise Missiles

The Pentagon is considering reducing its military footprint in the Persian Gulf following the scale of destruction caused during Operation Epic Fury reported Washington Post. The consideration remains in the initial phase between the Pentagon's policy wing, alongside the joint staff and the US Central Command. They are considering a potential configuration of the US military, once the hostilities cease, whether to repair and reconstruct these severely compromised bases in their current form. The deliberations are yet to reach US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.&nbsp;<h2>US military positions in the Persian Gulf</h2>The US maintains over 40,000 personnel in the region across nearly 20 installations, from Jordan to Oman. &nbsp;Roughly 20 major sites are spread across the region.&nbsp;Bahrain is the Naval centrepiece, as the official headquarters for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). It coordinates all the maritime corridors from the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea to the Red Sea. Other US Army and Air Force assets are stationed across Kuwait, Qatar, and neighbouring Gulf nations. Situated in Doha, Qatar, is the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East, and it acts as the forward headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM).Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-seeks-10-billion-us-treasury-forex-facility-1787221224297">Pakistan seeks $10 billion US Treasury facility to bolster forex reserves</a>The recent "special military operation" in the Gulf has exposed the vulnerabilities of these US facilities, with incoming Iranian missiles targeting a total of 200 US military installations, and six American service members killed in March. The Pentagon has expended over 1,000 advanced air-defence interceptors, severely straining global stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD systems. The Pentagon projects that the Iran war will tally approximately $37.5 billion by late September, excluding the cost required to reconstruct heavily compromised complexesThe scale of damage has made the Pentagon official reconsider the deployment and positioning of the assets. A section of the Pentagon is considering repositioning military personnel and hardware further westward towards Jordan, Israel or Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Some discussions centre on the closure of bases in Kuwait, while transferring forces from the UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain to safer zones outside the range of Iranian missiles and drones. A separate recommendation envisions relocating additional US military capabilities to Israel's Ovda Airbase, though there are concerns about Israeli espionage and exposure to counterintelligence.<h2>What does it mean for Tehran?</h2>The Gulf nations have been substantially dependent on the US capability to provide security. Some of them are unorthodox cities with no domestic capabilities and possess no traditional source of food and water. They depend heavily on the trade routes to maintain the illusion of being safe financial hubs in the desert. Now, a US reduction of troops will not explicitly strain the relationship, but pragmatically they would turn towards the next bigger power in the region, Iran, for security. So the war might allow Iran to emerge as one pole of power in the Gulf, while Israel might absorb the US military capability, entangle itself within the US military-industrial network and emerge as another pole.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/37-5-billion-iran-war-cost-adds-pressure-to-us-decisions-1787165129455/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/37-5-billion-iran-war-cost-adds-pressure-to-us-decisions-1787165129455/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pentagon is considering changes to its military presence in the Persian Gulf after Iranian attacks damaged US bases during Operation Epic Fury, The Washington Post reported.

The Pentagon is considering reducing its military footprint in the Persian Gulf following the scale of destruction caused during Operation Epic Fury reported Washington Post. The consideration remains in the initial phase between the Pentagon's policy wing, alongside the joint staff and the US Central Command. They are considering a potential configuration of the US military, once the hostilities cease, whether to repair and reconstruct these severely compromised bases in their current form. The deliberations are yet to reach US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. US military positions in the Persian Gulf The US maintains over 40,000 personnel in the region across nearly 20 installations, from Jordan to Oman. Roughly 20 major sites are spread across the region. Bahrain is the Naval centrepiece, as the official headquarters for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). It coordinates all the maritime corridors from the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea to the Red Sea. Other US Army and Air Force assets are stationed across Kuwait, Qatar, and neighbouring Gulf nations. Situated in Doha, Qatar, is the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East, and it acts as the forward headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM). Also Read: Pakistan seeks $10 billion US Treasury facility to bolster forex reserves The recent "special military operation" in the Gulf has exposed the vulnerabilities of these US facilities, with incoming Iranian missiles targeting a total of 200 US military installations, and six American service members killed in March. The Pentagon has expended over 1,000 advanced air-defence interceptors, severely straining global stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD systems. The Pentagon projects that the Iran war will tally approximately $37.5 billion by late September, excluding the cost required to reconstruct heavily compromised complexes The scale of damage has made the Pentagon official reconsider the deployment and positioning of the assets. A section of the Pentagon is considering repositioning military personnel and hardware further westward towards Jordan, Israel or Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Some discussions centre on the closure of bases in Kuwait, while transferring forces from the UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain to safer zones outside the range of Iranian missiles and drones. A separate recommendation envisions relocating additional US military capabilities to Israel's Ovda Airbase, though there are concerns about Israeli espionage and exposure to counterintelligence. What does it mean for Tehran? The Gulf nations have been substantially dependent on the US capability to provide security. Some of them are unorthodox cities with no domestic capabilities and possess no traditional source of food and water. They depend heavily on the trade routes to maintain the illusion of being safe financial hubs in the desert. Now, a US reduction of troops will not explicitly strain the relationship, but pragmatically they would turn towards the next bigger power in the region, Iran, for security. So the war might allow Iran to emerge as one pole of power in the Gulf, while Israel might absorb the US military capability, entangle itself within the US military-industrial network and emerge as another pole. https://www.wionews.com/videos/37-5-billion-iran-war-cost-adds-pressure-to-us-decisions-1787165129455/embed

The Pentagon is considering changes to its military presence in the Persian Gulf after Iranian attacks damaged US bases during Operation Epic Fury, The Washington Post reported.

US ponders reducing military footprint in Persian Gulf, relocate troops after Epic Fury

Can data from an app which people use every day for recording their fitness activities be weaponised during a conflict?&nbsp;A new report makes this precise assertion in the context of the West Asia war.&nbsp;According to Sky News, over 1,300 Strava users on US military bases in West Asia have been sharing workout-related information which could have been used by Iran to target American forces.&nbsp;This app allows users to share exact routes and timings of activities like running, cycling and swimming.&nbsp;In May, US Senator Ron Wyden shared a letter in which CENTCOM admitted to having received multiple threat reports regarding exploitation of commercial location data to target US personnel.&nbsp;The Sky News report also claimed that many of those posting their activities did so under their real names, thereby becoming potential targets for attacks.&nbsp;Take a look at the example of Bahrain.&nbsp;This country hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Iran launched an attack on this base in retaliation, speculation was rife about the whereabouts of the US military personnel stationed there. According to Sky News, Strava data of a US Naval contractor gave away their possible location. A week before the war, his activities were confined to this BASE. After the Iranian attack, though, he recorded doing laps on Strava around the courtyard of the Crowne Plaza hotel. Subsequently, Iran also bombed this hotel, which reportedly led to multiple Pentagon employees getting injured. While it is not confirmed, the report indicated that Iran strategically used Strava data in this case. While Pentagon had banned soldiers from using this app's location-tracking features without permission during deployment in 2018 itself, experts have flagged lax enforcement of this order. Now, it is not just individual accounts, which could be an issue. According to this report, Iran may have figured out a pattern by collecting data from thousands of accounts. It gave the example of how 76% of Strava accounts at Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti air base were located at the barracks during the ceasefire. When fighting briefly resumed in July, Iran attacked those very barracks, killing three US military personnel in the process. Similarly, activities of three Strava users were also detected inside the nuclear research centre located in Israel's Dimona, which was also targeted by Iran. Now, the danger of fitness apps being misused in military operations dates back several years. In 2016, a US Defence contractor reportedly used commercially available location data to track special operations forces moving from American bases to a sensitive post in Syria. Two years later, Strava's public heatmap exposed the locations of secret US and allied military bases in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In 2024, media outlets analysed billions of location coordinates obtained from a data broker and reportedly tracked movements of around 11 US military and intelligence facilities in Germany. This is not all. In March this year, a French naval officer reportedly exposed the location of aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle after recording his jogging on Strava while exercising on the ship's deck. While the Pentagon is yet to comment on this, a Strava spokesperson told Sky News that the firm expects people working in sensitive professions to use privacy controls and appropriately limit their content.

Over 1,300 Strava users on US military bases in West Asia have been sharing workout-related information which could have been used by Iran to target American forces. This app allows users to share exact routes and timings of activities like running, cycling and swimming.

Can data from an app which people use every day for recording their fitness activities be weaponised during a conflict? A new report makes this precise assertion in the context of the West Asia war. According to Sky News, over 1,300 Strava users on US military bases in West Asia have been sharing workout-related information which could have been used by Iran to target American forces. This app allows users to share exact routes and timings of activities like running, cycling and swimming. In May, US Senator Ron Wyden shared a letter in which CENTCOM admitted to having received multiple threat reports regarding exploitation of commercial location data to target US personnel. The Sky News report also claimed that many of those posting their activities did so under their real names, thereby becoming potential targets for attacks. Take a look at the example of Bahrain. This country hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama.

Over 1,300 Strava users on US military bases in West Asia have been sharing workout-related information which could have been used by Iran to target American forces. This app allows users to share exact routes and timings of activities like running, cycling and swimming.

American nightmare: Iran tracked Strava data and launched precise strikes on US bases | Gravitas

The United States on Wednesday (Jul 29) launched fresh strikes on Iran. In a post on X, US CENTCOM said that the strikes, which began at 8 pm ET, were a "powerful response to attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East." The strikes come hours after US President Donald Trump vowed to hit back hard at Iran in retaliation for Tehran's attacks on US bases in Jordan. These mark the first attacks on Iranian soil in nearly a week.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. forces began launching strikes against Iran at 8 p.m. ET today. The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday&#39;s attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East.&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2082623345682518024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-jump-over-3-brent-tops-86-after-us-says-it-intercepted-iranian-missile-attack-1785285962484">Oil prices jump over 3% after US says it intercepted Iranian missile attack</a><h2>Iran reports attacks near vital sites</h2>Iranian media reported on Thursday, citing regional authorities, that attacks occurred around Iran's Qeshm Island and Abadan city. Notably, both these sites are important to Tehran: Qeshm controls the vital Strait of Hormuz oil shipping lanes as a heavily fortified military base, while Abadan is a historic petroleum and refining powerhouse in the Khuzestan province."At 04:00 am (0030 GMT), a point near Qeshm was attacked by the American enemy military," said Ahmad Nafisi, the deputy governor of the southern Hormozgan Province, according to news agency Mehr."Points around Abadan city were attacked by missiles by the terrorist enemy of America," the Fars news agency reported, citing the deputy governor of Khuzestan.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-unimpactful-trump-downplays-russian-support-for-iran-promises-to-ask-putin-about-zelensky-s-claims-1785200335134">'Very unimpactful': Trump downplays Russian support for Iran, promises to 'ask Putin' about Zelensky's claims</a><h2>US completes ‘heavy wave’ of strikes: CENTCOM</h2>In another X post published just hours after its first post, &nbsp;the US Central Command said that the United States military has completed a "heavy wave" of strikes against Iran.CENTCOM said late Wednesday that its forces "successfully completed a heavy wave of strikes against Iran in response to yesterday's attempted missile attacks on U.S. forces," and struck dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard targets, including military command centres. “The strikes aimed to further diminish threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighbouring Gulf countries,” it said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/kk3XPDc73G">https://t.co/kk3XPDc73G</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2082651747869147214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

'Powerful response': US launches revenge strikes on Iran after Trump vow

The United States on Wednesday (Jul 29) launched fresh strikes on Iran. In a post on X, US CENTCOM said that the strikes, which began at 8 pm ET, were a "powerful response to attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East." The strikes come hours after US President Donald Trump vowed to hit back hard at Iran in retaliation for Tehran's attacks on US bases in Jordan. These mark the first attacks on Iranian soil in nearly a week.

'Powerful response': US launches revenge strikes on Iran after Trump vow

'Powerful response': US launches fresh revenge strikes on Iran after Trump vow to 'hit back hard'

US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran after Tehran launched missile attacks targeting American military assets in the Gulf region. The escalation comes after a three-day pause in hostilities between Washington and Tehran, with fighting now spreading to new fronts.

Iranian state media released footage claiming to show missile launches targeting US air bases in Jordan. Jordan's military said its air defence systems intercepted several missiles before they reached their targets.

In response, the United States, alongside Saudi Arabia, carried out joint air strikes against positions linked to Iran-backed groups in eastern Iraq. The strikes reportedly killed members of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces and injured dozens more.

Trump Warns Iran After Missile Attacks On US Forces | US-Iran War Expands Across Middle East

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as both countries exchanged heavy strikes overnight, escalating tensions across the Middle East. The United States reportedly targeted key infrastructure inside Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on American military installations and strategic assets across the Gulf region. According to reports, Iran claimed strikes on US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, while also targeting critical infrastructure linked to American operations. The conflict has also intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, raising fears of a wider regional war and disruptions to global energy supplies.

US-Iran war escalates | Iran strikes US bases in gulf after American airstrikes | Strait of Hormuz 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signalled that Washington may need to “reassess” its relationship with NATO once the ongoing Iran conflict comes to an end, in remarks that underscore growing transatlantic tensions.&nbsp;Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday (March 31), Rubio said there was “no doubt” that the US would have to take a “fresh look” at the alliance after the war. “We’ll need to reconsider what NATO brings to our country within that alliance,” he said, adding that any final decision would rest with President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-vs-nato-poland-france-and-italy-push-back-on-us-war-demands-1774959396573">Washington vs NATO: Poland, France and Italy push back on US war demands</a>&nbsp;Rubio, who described himself as a long-time supporter of NATO during his tenure in the US Senate, suggested that the alliance risks becoming imbalanced if it limits Washington’s operational flexibility. “If now we have reached a point where the NATO alliance means that we can’t use those bases… then NATO is a one-way street,” he said.&nbsp;The top US diplomat clarified that Washington was not asking its allies to participate directly in airstrikes against Iran. But he expressed frustration over restrictions placed on the use of allied military infrastructure. “When we need them to allow us to use their military bases, their answer is ‘No?’ Then why are we in NATO? You have to ask that question,” Rubio added.<h2>US vs Europe allies amid Iran war</h2>His comments come amid mounting strain between Washington and its European allies during the Iran war. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised NATO members for what it sees as insufficient support for efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint through which roughly 1/5th of the world’s crude oil supply passes.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-weren-t-there-trump-signals-us-may-abandon-nato-if-allies-refuse-to-help-secure-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-war-1774655373532">'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war</a>&nbsp;The tensions have played out in concrete terms. Spain has barred US aircraft involved in the conflict from using its airspace, while Italy has declined requests to host American bombers at its bases en route to West Asia. The UK also initially refused access to a Royal Air Force base before later reversing its position, highlighting divisions within the alliance.&nbsp;The restrictions have complicated US military logistics at a time when Washington is seeking to maintain pressure on Iran following the February 28 US-Israeli strikes that triggered the wider regional conflict.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested reassessing the NATO alliance after the Iran war, citing frustrations over European allies restricting US access to military bases and airspace during the conflict.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signalled that Washington may need to “reassess” its relationship with NATO once the ongoing Iran conflict comes to an end, in remarks that underscore growing transatlantic tensions. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday (March 31), Rubio said there was “no doubt” that the US would have to take a “fresh look” at the alliance after the war. “We’ll need to reconsider what NATO brings to our country within that alliance,” he said, adding that any final decision would rest with President Donald Trump. Also read: Washington vs NATO: Poland, France and Italy push back on US war demands Rubio, who described himself as a long-time supporter of NATO during his tenure in the US Senate, suggested that the alliance risks becoming imbalanced if it limits Washington’s operational flexibility. “If now we have reached a point where the NATO alliance means that we can’t use those bases… then NATO is a one-way street,” he said. The top US diplomat clarified that Washington was not asking its allies to participate directly in airstrikes against Iran. But he expressed frustration over restrictions placed on the use of allied military infrastructure. “When we need them to allow us to use their military bases, their answer is ‘No?’ Then why are we in NATO? You have to ask that question,” Rubio added. US vs Europe allies amid Iran war His comments come amid mounting strain between Washington and its European allies during the Iran war. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised NATO members for what it sees as insufficient support for efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint through which roughly 1/5th of the world’s crude oil supply passes. Also read: 'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war The tensions have played out in concrete terms. Spain has barred US aircraft involved in the conflict from using its airspace, while Italy has declined requests to host American bombers at its bases en route to West Asia. The UK also initially refused access to a Royal Air Force base before later reversing its position, highlighting divisions within the alliance. The restrictions have complicated US military logistics at a time when Washington is seeking to maintain pressure on Iran following the February 28 US-Israeli strikes that triggered the wider regional conflict.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested reassessing the NATO alliance after the Iran war, citing frustrations over European allies restricting US access to military bases and airspace during the conflict.

‘When we need their military bases, their answer is no’: Rubio questions US-NATO alliance amid Iran war

From Qatar's Al Udeid to Bahrain's 5th Fleet, here are 7 key US military bases in the Middle East within range of Iranian missiles.

From Qatar's Al Udeid to Bahrain's 5th Fleet, here are 7 key US military bases in the Middle East within range of Iranian missiles.

From Qatar to Bahrain: US military bases Iran could attack in case of war

What is particularly noteworthy is that as strains have grown between Denmark and the US, especially after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Denmark’s only land neighbour hosts the largest number of US military bases in NATO.

What is particularly noteworthy is that as strains have grown between Denmark and the US, especially after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Denmark’s only land neighbour hosts the largest number of US military bases in NATO.

As Greenland tensions rise: The NATO country next to Denmark with the most US military bases

Iran’s comments raise the prospect that American facilities in the Middle East, already tense due to past exchanges, could be drawn into broader conflict.

Iran’s comments raise the prospect that American facilities in the Middle East, already tense due to past exchanges, could be drawn into broader conflict.

'Iran signals retaliation if attacked': Top 7 US military bases in the Middle East

India has repeatedly rejected the establishment of foreign military bases on its soil, including those of the United States of America, despite their growing defence partnership. This position stems from India’s longstanding commitment to strategic autonomy, a doctrine rooted in its post-colonial experience and non-aligned foreign policy. From Nehru to Modi, Indian leaders have maintained a clear stance that sovereignty must not be diluted by the permanent presence of foreign troops, regardless of diplomatic ties or logistical agreements. Unlike other smaller nations that accept US bases for added security, India views such arrangements as incompatible with its military self-sufficiency.<h2>India's military capability</h2>India’s military capabilities, ranging from nuclear deterrence to a large standing army and expanding naval and cyber assets, provide sufficient strategic depth. Instead of hosting foreign bases, India has opted for defence cooperation through limited-access agreements. Deals like LEMOA allow the US to refuel and restock at Indian facilities during joint operations or emergencies, but they do not permit basing rights. This arrangement further enables operational collaboration without compromising sovereignty.&nbsp;Hosting a US base in the country would also carry regional consequences, including potential friction with China and Russia. Moreover, several historical incidents, from the US Navy’s 7th Fleet sailing toward India in the 1971 liberation war to American opposition to India’s nuclear programme, might have fostered a cautious attitude in New Delhi toward US military intentions.<h2>Risks, Ramifications, and Alternative Pathways</h2>The absence of US bases in India is not merely a reflection of India’s position, but it also suits our current US strategic requirements. With extensive facilities in Diego Garcia, Qatar, Japan, and Singapore, the Pentagon has ample reach across the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. From India’s perspective, allowing a base would invite geopolitical liabilities without tangible strategic gains. The recent missile strike on Al Udeid base in Qatar, during the Israel-Iran conflict, highlights the risks of becoming a target by hosting foreign forces. India seeks to avoid being drawn into conflicts unrelated to its national interest.Despite having closer ties through QUAD and joint military exercises like Malabar, New Delhi remains cautious. The concerns over potential disruption to long-standing partnerships, especially with Russia and past US policy decisions further strengthen India’s reluctance. In short, India’s refusal to host US military bases is a deliberate, calculated policy choice, and not an oversight or gap in the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;

With extensive facilities in Diego Garcia, Qatar, Japan, and Singapore, the Pentagon has ample reach across the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. 

India has repeatedly rejected the establishment of foreign military bases on its soil, including those of the United States of America, despite their growing defence partnership. This position stems from India’s longstanding commitment to strategic autonomy, a doctrine rooted in its post-colonial experience and non-aligned foreign policy. From Nehru to Modi, Indian leaders have maintained a clear stance that sovereignty must not be diluted by the permanent presence of foreign troops, regardless of diplomatic ties or logistical agreements. Unlike other smaller nations that accept US bases for added security, India views such arrangements as incompatible with its military self-sufficiency. India's military capability India’s military capabilities, ranging from nuclear deterrence to a large standing army and expanding naval and cyber assets, provide sufficient strategic depth. Instead of hosting foreign bases, India has opted for defence cooperation through limited-access agreements. Deals like LEMOA allow the US to refuel and restock at Indian facilities during joint operations or emergencies, but they do not permit basing rights. This arrangement further enables operational collaboration without compromising sovereignty. Hosting a US base in the country would also carry regional consequences, including potential friction with China and Russia. Moreover, several historical incidents, from the US Navy’s 7th Fleet sailing toward India in the 1971 liberation war to American opposition to India’s nuclear programme, might have fostered a cautious attitude in New Delhi toward US military intentions. Risks, Ramifications, and Alternative Pathways The absence of US bases in India is not merely a reflection of India’s position, but it also suits our current US strategic requirements. With extensive facilities in Diego Garcia, Qatar, Japan, and Singapore, the Pentagon has ample reach across the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. From India’s perspective, allowing a base would invite geopolitical liabilities without tangible strategic gains. The recent missile strike on Al Udeid base in Qatar, during the Israel-Iran conflict, highlights the risks of becoming a target by hosting foreign forces. India seeks to avoid being drawn into conflicts unrelated to its national interest. Despite having closer ties through QUAD and joint military exercises like Malabar, New Delhi remains cautious. The concerns over potential disruption to long-standing partnerships, especially with Russia and past US policy decisions further strengthen India’s reluctance. In short, India’s refusal to host US military bases is a deliberate, calculated policy choice, and not an oversight or gap in the bilateral relationship.

With extensive facilities in Diego Garcia, Qatar, Japan, and Singapore, the Pentagon has ample reach across the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.&nbsp;

No boots allowed: Why India refuses US military bases on its soil despite strategic ties

Iran on Sunday (June 23) threatened US military bases for launching attacks against the nation's nuclear facilities, saying such bases would be legitimate targets. US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jun 21) announced a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The US has thousands of troops stationed on bases throughout the Middle East. Let's take a look at nations with significant deployments of US troops in the Middle East, which come under the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM).<h2>Bahrain</h2>The small Gulf state is home to a facility called Naval Support Activity Bahrain, where the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command are stationed. The country's deepwater port is capable of hosting the largest US warships, including aircraft carriers, and the base has been used by the US Navy since 1948, when the facility was run by Britain's Royal Navy.&nbsp;There are various US vessels that use Bahrain as their home port, such as four mine countermeasures and two logistics support ships. The US Coast Guard also has some vessels present in the country, consisting of six fast response cutters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bases-on-alert-as-iran-backed-militias-prepare-for-potential-retaliation-report-1750654417149">US bases in Iraq on alert as intel hints at potential retaliation by Iran-backed militias: Report</a><h2>Iraq</h2>The United States has troops stationed at several installations in Iraq, such as the Al-Asad and Arbil air bases. Baghdad is an ally of Iran, but also a strategic ally of Tehran's bitter rival the United States. As per reports, there are approximately 2,500 American soldiers in Iraq as part of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State jihadist organisation. Baghdad and Washington have agreed to schedule the phasing out of the forces of the coalition from Iraq.&nbsp;US troops in Syria and Iraq were targeted repeatedly by pro-Iran extremists after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, but retaliated with punishing attacks on Tehran-aligned targets, and the attacks mostly ceased.<h2>Kuwait</h2>Kuwait has multiple US bases, such as Camp Arifjan, where the forward headquarters for the US Army element of CENTCOM is located. The US Army also prepositions materiel in the country. Ali al-Salem Air Base is home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military terms as the "primary airlift hub and gateway for delivering combat power to joint and coalition forces" in the theater. Furthermore, the United States operates drones such as MQ-9 Reapers in Kuwait.<h2>Qatar</h2>Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar features the forward elements of CENTCOM, as well as of its airmen and special ops men in the area. It also accommodates rotating combat aircraft, as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military claims consists of "airlift, aerial refueling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and aeromedical evacuation assets."<h2>Syria</h2>The United States has had troop presences for years at a chain of bases in Syria as part of the international campaign against the Islamic State group, which emerged from Syria's civil war to capture vast swaths of Syria and neighboring Iraq. The Pentagon revealed in April that it would cut approximately in half its troops in the nation to under 1,000 in the next few months as part of a "consolidation" of US forces in the nation.<h2>United Arab Emirates</h2>The US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, a force that consists of 10 aircraft squadrons and also has UAVs like MQ-9 Reapers, is headquartered at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. Fighting aircraft have cycled through Al Dhafra, which also has the Gulf Air Warfare Center for air and missile defense training.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Arab governments sounded alarm on Sunday following the US attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, and they called for immediate de-escalation amid concerns of being battlegrounds in an rising confrontation.&nbsp;Persian Gulf nations like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, who may have previously hailed the destruction of Iran's nuclear program by military means, instead condemned the American interference. Saudi Arabia condemned the infringement of Iran's sovereignty, and the UAE voiced “deep concern.” Governments from the area requested increased efforts at brokering an end to the fighting before the region becomes lost in "the horrors and dangers of war," Bahrain warned. And Oman, a seasoned diplomatic middleman between Iran and the United States, said, "The measures taken by the United States risk broadening the conflict's scope and involve a grave breach of international law."

Are these US bases sitting ducks for Iran? Military assets on high alert after Trump strike

Iran on Sunday (June 23) threatened US military bases for launching attacks against the nation's nuclear facilities, saying such bases would be legitimate targets. US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jun 21) announced a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The US has thousands of troops stationed on bases throughout the Middle East. Let's take a look at nations with significant deployments of US troops in the Middle East, which come under the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM). Bahrain The small Gulf state is home to a facility called Naval Support Activity Bahrain, where the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command are stationed. The country's deepwater port is capable of hosting the largest US warships, including aircraft carriers, and the base has been used by the US Navy since 1948, when the facility was run by Britain's Royal Navy. There are various US vessels that use Bahrain as their home port, such as four mine countermeasures and two logistics support ships. The US Coast Guard also has some vessels present in the country, consisting of six fast response cutters. Also Read: US bases in Iraq on alert as intel hints at potential retaliation by Iran-backed militias: Report Iraq The United States has troops stationed at several installations in Iraq, such as the Al-Asad and Arbil air bases. Baghdad is an ally of Iran, but also a strategic ally of Tehran's bitter rival the United States. As per reports, there are approximately 2,500 American soldiers in Iraq as part of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State jihadist organisation. Baghdad and Washington have agreed to schedule the phasing out of the forces of the coalition from Iraq. US troops in Syria and Iraq were targeted repeatedly by pro-Iran extremists after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, but retaliated with punishing attacks on Tehran-aligned targets, and the attacks mostly ceased. Kuwait Kuwait has multiple US bases, such as Camp Arifjan, where the forward headquarters for the US Army element of CENTCOM is located. The US Army also prepositions materiel in the country. Ali al-Salem Air Base is home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military terms as the "primary airlift hub and gateway for delivering combat power to joint and coalition forces" in the theater. Furthermore, the United States operates drones such as MQ-9 Reapers in Kuwait. Qatar Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar features the forward elements of CENTCOM, as well as of its airmen and special ops men in the area. It also accommodates rotating combat aircraft, as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military claims consists of "airlift, aerial refueling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and aeromedical evacuation assets." Syria The United States has had troop presences for years at a chain of bases in Syria as part of the international campaign against the Islamic State group, which emerged from Syria's civil war to capture vast swaths of Syria and neighboring Iraq. The Pentagon revealed in April that it would cut approximately in half its troops in the nation to under 1,000 in the next few months as part of a "consolidation" of US forces in the nation. United Arab Emirates The US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, a force that consists of 10 aircraft squadrons and also has UAVs like MQ-9 Reapers, is headquartered at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. Fighting aircraft have cycled through Al Dhafra, which also has the Gulf Air Warfare Center for air and missile defense training. Meanwhile, Arab governments sounded alarm on Sunday following the US attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, and they called for immediate de-escalation amid concerns of being battlegrounds in an rising confrontation. Persian Gulf nations like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, who may have previously hailed the destruction of Iran's nuclear program by military means, instead condemned the American interference. Saudi Arabia condemned the infringement of Iran's sovereignty, and the UAE voiced “deep concern.” Governments from the area requested increased efforts at brokering an end to the fighting before the region becomes lost in "the horrors and dangers of war," Bahrain warned. And Oman, a seasoned diplomatic middleman between Iran and the United States, said, "The measures taken by the United States risk broadening the conflict's scope and involve a grave breach of international law."

After US B-2 stealth bombers hit Iran’s key nuclear sites, Tehran has vowed retaliation

A report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper has claimed that Chinese nationals, sometimes posing as tourists, have been spying on US military bases and other sensitive sites in recent years.

The report published on Sunday (Sept 3) further states, quoting senior US officials, that it has occurred more than 100 times in recent years.

A joint meeting was convened by the Defence Department, FBI and other agencies last year to try to limit these incidents that involved “gatecrashers” because of their attempts to get into US military bases without proper authorisation, the WSJ report said.

Examples of “gatercrashing” included Chinese crossing into a US missile range in New Mexico, and scuba divers swimming in murky waters near a US government rocket launch site in Florida, the report said.

<h2>Spying on sensitive US&nbsp;sites</h2>

The report said that some other incidents involved people following Google Maps directions to a McDonald's or Burger King located on military bases.&nbsp;Other more serious instances include a group of Chinese nationals trying to push past guards at an army base in Alaska, claiming they had reservations at a hotel on the base.

US officials believe that these trespassing incidents are linked to a more detailed plan to spy on sensitive US sites.

Most of these incidents happened in rural areas, where the tourism flow is a little low— areas not recognised as tourist hot spots and located far away from major airports—leading the officials to believe that they are not tourists.

<h2>Officials yet to respond</h2>

The report further said that the involved Chinese nationals were pressed into service and required to report back to the Chinese government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-launches-fresh-attacks-on-odesa-port-region-ukraine-fights-back-632124">Russia launches fresh attacks on Odesa port region, Ukraine fights back</a>

The US&nbsp;Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the WSJ report.

The report comes at a time when Washington and Beijing are taking tentative steps to soothe tensions that spiked after a suspected Chinese high-altitude spy balloon crossed the United States before the US&nbsp;military shot it down off the East Coast&nbsp;in&nbsp;February.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-disappointed-as-chinas-xi-skips-g20-summit-heres-when-they-could-meet-next-632076">Joe Biden ‘disappointed’ as China’s Xi skips G20 summit, here’s when they could meet next</a>

Last month, China’s state security ministry&nbsp;announced the arrest&nbsp;of a Chinese national for allegedly spying on behalf of the CIA.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper has claimed that Chinese nationals, sometimes posing as tourists, have been spying on US military bases and other sensitive sites in recent years.

A report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper has claimed that Chinese nationals, sometimes posing as tourists, have been spying on US military bases and other sensitive sites in recent years. The report published on Sunday (Sept 3) further states, quoting senior US officials, that it has occurred more than 100 times in recent years. A joint meeting was convened by the Defence Department, FBI and other agencies last year to try to limit these incidents that involved “gatecrashers” because of their attempts to get into US military bases without proper authorisation, the WSJ report said. Examples of “gatercrashing” included Chinese crossing into a US missile range in New Mexico, and scuba divers swimming in murky waters near a US government rocket launch site in Florida, the report said. Spying on sensitive US sites The report said that some other incidents involved people following Google Maps directions to a McDonald's or Burger King located on military bases. Other more serious instances include a group of Chinese nationals trying to push past guards at an army base in Alaska, claiming they had reservations at a hotel on the base. US officials believe that these trespassing incidents are linked to a more detailed plan to spy on sensitive US sites. Most of these incidents happened in rural areas, where the tourism flow is a little low— areas not recognised as tourist hot spots and located far away from major airports—leading the officials to believe that they are not tourists. Officials yet to respond The report further said that the involved Chinese nationals were pressed into service and required to report back to the Chinese government. Also read | Russia launches fresh attacks on Odesa port region, Ukraine fights back The US Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the WSJ report. The report comes at a time when Washington and Beijing are taking tentative steps to soothe tensions that spiked after a suspected Chinese high-altitude spy balloon crossed the United States before the US military shot it down off the East Coast in February. Also read | Joe Biden ‘disappointed’ as China’s Xi skips G20 summit, here’s when they could meet next Last month, China’s state security ministry announced the arrest of a Chinese national for allegedly spying on behalf of the CIA. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chinese nationals posing as tourists and spying on US military bases, sensitive sites: Report

Countries are rushing to bolster their defences as the war rages on in Ukraine. The defence industry worldwide is profiting from the fears raised by the war.

Gravitas: Military spending surges globally

More than a dozen&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;servicemen who are training at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">US&nbsp;military&nbsp;bases</a> will be&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;from&nbsp;the United States in the&nbsp;aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December&nbsp;6&nbsp;shooting&nbsp;by a&nbsp;<a>Saudi&nbsp;Air Force</a> officer at an American naval base in&nbsp;Florida,&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;reported on Saturday.

Watch:&nbsp;Florida Naval Base Shooting: 3 killed and 8 injured by Saudi Gunman

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;personnel being&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;are not accused of aiding the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grounds-saudi-pilots-suspends-military-training-after-shooting-at-base-267695">Saudi&nbsp;Air Force</a> second lieutenant who killed three American sailors at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-military-training-in-us-under-scrutiny-after-base-attack-267060">Pensacola</a> installation,&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;reported, quoting unnamed sources.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Pentagon</a> referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI and the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Pentagon announced on December&nbsp;10 it was halting operational training of all&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-airman-in-us-for-training-suspected-in-deadly-shooting-at-florida-naval-base-266755">Saudi&nbsp;Arabian</a>&nbsp;military&nbsp;personnel in the United States&nbsp;after&nbsp;the incident. The Pentagon then announced on December&nbsp;19 that it found no threat in its review of about 850&nbsp;military&nbsp;students&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-thinks-saudi-shooter-acted-alone-florida-governor-decries-deep-seated-hatred-267095">Saudi&nbsp;Arabia</a> studying in the United States.

The FBI has said&nbsp;US&nbsp;investigators believe&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Air Force Second Lieutenant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-base-shooting-probe-trump-saudi-crown-prince-vow-to-cooperate-267259">Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani</a>, 21, acted alone in the incident before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

More than a dozen Saudi servicemen who are training at US military bases will be expelled from the United States in the aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December 6 shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at an American naval base in Florida, CNN reported on Saturday.

More than a dozen Saudi servicemen who are training at US military bases will be expelled from the United States in the aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December 6 shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at an American naval base in Florida, CNN reported on Saturday. Watch: Florida Naval Base Shooting: 3 killed and 8 injured by Saudi Gunman The Saudi personnel being expelled are not accused of aiding the Saudi Air Force second lieutenant who killed three American sailors at the Pensacola installation, CNN reported, quoting unnamed sources. The Pentagon referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI and the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon announced on December 10 it was halting operational training of all Saudi Arabian military personnel in the United States after the incident. The Pentagon then announced on December 19 that it found no threat in its review of about 850 military students from Saudi Arabia studying in the United States. The FBI has said US investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone in the incident before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

Saudi military trainees to be expelled from US after Florida shooting

The biggest worry across the world right now is about West Asia. Will Iran's missile attacks on US military bases in Iraq bring Iran & the U.S. closer to war? Or will both the side claim victory and end this conflict? On WionEdit MollyGambhir explains. #WIONEdit #US #Iran

WION Edit: Will US-Iran tensions escalate further?