US forces are locked in air-defense battles, fending off attacks on American bases amid the fighting with Iran, official says
US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathaly Cruz
- US forces are actively engaged in air defense operations in the Middle East, an official said.
- The operations involve American air, land, and sea forces.
- It comes as Iran has launched retaliatory missiles following US and Israeli strikes.
American forces are actively engaged in air defense operations in the Middle East, a US official told Business Insider, as Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes.
The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the military actions, said that US land, air, and naval forces are participating in the air defense operations, including for American bases in the Middle East.
More than a dozen US warships, including two aircraft carriers, are operating in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Sea. American fighter jets and air defense batteries are also in the region.
The US embassies in Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan all issued warnings that missile strikes are imminent, warning American citizens to shelter in place.
These three countries host major US military installations. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the largest in the Middle East, while Naval Support Activity Bahrain is home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet. Recent satellite imagery showed American fighter jets at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
Engagements have been reported in Qatar and Bahrain, while the Israeli military said it has detected multiple waves of missiles fired from Iran.
President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the US had begun "major combat operations" in Iran aimed at degrading the country's nuclear and military capabilities, shortly after the Israeli government announced that it had carried out a "preemptive" strike against the country.
The attack marks the second time in less than a year that the US has taken direct military action against Iran. In June 2025, American forces bombed Tehran's nuclear facilities as part of Operation Midnight Hammer.