Pentagon Weighs Moving Gulf Bases Hit by Iran Westward to Israel

The Pentagon is weighing relocation of US Gulf operations westward, with Israel among the destinations under consideration, after Iranian retaliatory strikes between late February and June caused roughly $400 million in damage to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home of the Fifth Fleet. Officials cited extensive damage to command headquarters and at least a dozen buildings, and are eyeing a reduced footprint in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The deliberations underscore Israel's emergence as Washington's most survivable Middle East platform, validated by joint operations that began February 28 and by Israel's proven multi-layered air defenses against Iran's massive missile and drone barrages.