Image reproduced from 工商時報

Recently, tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated, with both sides conducting missile strikes against each other. However, on Monday, Iran unexpectedly launched multiple missiles towards Qatar in the Persian Gulf, claiming that the attacks were a retaliation against the United States. This action led to the temporary closure of the airspace and caused significant disruptions to numerous flight routes.

The primary reason for Iran's attack on Qatar is the presence of the Al Udeid Air Base, which is the largest US military base in the Middle East. Established in 1996, this base has served as a critical command center for US military operations in the region.

In response to Iran's attack, Qatar promptly implemented defensive measures, and reports indicate that all missiles from Tehran, numbering over a dozen, were intercepted mid-air without causing any casualties on the ground. US President Donald Trump reacted on social media, mocking the assault as a "very weak response" and stating that the US had anticipated the attack and effectively countered it. He also expressed gratitude to Iran for providing advance notice, which helped ensure that no lives were lost or injuries occurred.

The Al Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters for the US Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing all US military actions from Egypt to Kazakhstan. Currently, around 8,000 American troops are stationed at this base, which has become the principal operational command center in the Middle East. During the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the number of personnel stationed at the base peaked at around 10,000.

Despite its small geographic size, Qatar has invested heavily in its relationship with the United States, pouring over $8 billion (approximately NT$241.6 billion) into the Al Udeid Air Base over the past 20 years, transforming it from a flat desert into a luxurious and fully functional military command center.

In addition to Al Udeid, the US military has other military installations throughout the Middle East, including:

• Bahrain: Home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, which has approximately 9,000 personnel stationed.
• Kuwait: The US Army is stationed in several locations, including Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base, with a number of 13,000 personnel currently.
• UAE: The Al Dhafra Air Base, located south of Abu Dhabi, is a significant transit point for the US Air Force, hosting around 3,000 personnel.
• Iraq: US forces are located at Ain Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq and Erbil Air Base in northern Kurdistan, with a total of approximately 2,500 personnel.
• Saudi Arabia: Around 2,700 troops are stationed here.
• Jordan: Approximately 3,800 personnel are stationed at Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base and several small posts serving to monitor surrounding activities.
• Syria: A small number of US troops are also stationed in Syria, primarily working with an international coalition against ISIS, totaling less than 1,000 personnel.

These deployments play a crucial role in stabilizing the Middle East and serve as a military backbone for the United States in the region.