US forces are locked in air-defense battles, fending off attacks on American bases amid the fighting with Iran, official says

• U.S. forces are actively participating in air defense operations in the Middle East, an official said.

• Operations involve American air, ground and naval forces.

• This comes as Iran launches retaliatory missiles following US and Israeli attacks.

A US official told Business Insider that Iran has launched retaliatory missile attacks on countries across the region.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military developments, said: US land, air and naval forces They participate in air defense operations, including against American bases in the Middle East.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency said the Revolutionary Guards (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) fired missiles at US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

All four countries are major hosts US military facilities. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the largest in the Middle East; Bahrain Naval Support Activity hosts the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. Kuwait and the UAE also host important bases for land and air forces.

Qatar Ministry of Defense announced that the plane was shot down Iranian missiles is targeting the country in multiple waves. Bahrain’s state news agency reported that the 5th Fleet was attacked. Rocket shrapnel killed at least one person in the UAE, the country said, adding that a large amount of incoming ammunition was seized.

The Israeli army said that it detected several waves of missiles fired from Iran and that its air defense systems were trying to intercept them.

US embassies in several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan, have previously warned American citizens to shelter in place, warning that missile attacks were imminent.

The United States has sent military forces to the region in recent weeks, creating a significant presence that can conduct air defense operations.

More than a dozen US warships, including two aircraft carriersIt operates in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. American fighter jets And air defense batteries also operates in the region.

President Donald Trump announced the U.S. action early Saturday. “major combat operations” In Iran, he aimed to reduce the country’s nuclear and military capabilities. The video statement came shortly after the Israeli government announced a “pre-emptive” strike against the country.

Israeli F-35 stealth fighter jets and F-15 jets, as well as US land, air and naval forces, also participated in the attacks. Britain, which has military assets in the Middle East, did not participate in offensive operations.

The new attacks mark the second time the United States has taken direct military action against Iran in less than a year. In June 2025, American forces bombed Tehran’s nuclear facilities. Operation Midnight Hammer.

There is USA Provided air defense to Israel In previous conflicts with Iran, including the June conflict.

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