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Satellite images show Iran damaged U.S. naval base in Bahrain

newsJun 26, 2026302,026

The Wall Street Journal published satellite imagery showing extensive damage Iran inflicted on Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the U.S. naval base that hosts the Fifth Fleet. The images show strikes hit the Fifth Fleet command headquarters, at least a dozen other buildings, and satellite communications equipment, with attacks occurring multiple times from late February through June. U.S. forces evacuated most personnel from the base while keeping a small staff on site; the military said no one was killed and that operations were not significantly disrupted. The damage has prompted U.S. officials to reassess Washington's regional footprint, including plans to revamp the Bahrain base, reduce forces in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and move some bases or base functions. Satellite-analysis and reporting in the wake of the strikes have put repair costs into public estimates, one post cited $400 million for repairs and another put total U.S. base damage at $2 billion, and Pentagon officials declined to discuss those costs with Congress. Gulf leaders meeting in Bahrain alongside U.S. officials have tied future economic ties with Iran to Tehran addressing missiles, drones and proxy networks, underscoring the regional policy stakes of the damage and the U.S. recalculation.

Carl Quintanilla
@carlquintanilla.bsky.social

“.. The extensive damage done to America’s sole naval base in the Middle East .. has the U.S. re-evaluating its entire footprint in the region, according to U.S. officials ..” @wsj.com www.wsj.com/world/middle...

11944h ago
Mark Chadbourn
@chadbourn.bsky.social

The Pentagon covered up the massive damage Iran inflicted on the US Navy Base in Bahrain, including the Fifth Fleet headquarters, the WSJ reports. Satellite imagery revealed the extent of the destruction which could cost $400 million to repair. Total cost for US base damage is now $2 billion.

4526h ago
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