U.S. Reportedly Considering Moving Bases Away From Iran To Reduce Exposure To Missiles, Drones
The U.S. is considering moving Middle East military bases away from Iran to reduce exposure to the country’s drones and missiles, according to a new report.
The Wall Street Journal detailed that conversations increased particularly after an attack on the country’s only naval base, located in Bahrain, sustained some $400 million in damage that had not been acknowledged by the Pentagon.
The base in question, called Naval Support Activity Bahrain, is located some 150 miles south of Iran. Facilities damaged include the Fifth Fleet headquarters, barracks, warehouses and a potable water. No one was killed in the attacks.
The outlet cited an analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), who said the figure estimated included only construction costs, and could increase due to other costs.
U.S. officials have since revamped the base and moved command centers underground. Forces could also reduce presence in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and move assets to the west. Israel has been floated as a potential location.
The U.S. Navy base in Bahrain was repeatedly targeted between late February and June. Strikes that got through caused extensive damage, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of satellite imagery, social-media footage and interviews with current and former…
— Lara Seligman (@laraseligman) June 26, 2026
The Trump administration has asked Congress to approve an $87.6 billion emergency spending package this week, with the overwhelming majority of the money earmarked for military operations tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The proposal, submitted Wednesday by the White House Office of Management and Budget, requests $67.15 billion for the Department of Defense to fund combat operations, replenish weapons stockpiles depleted during the conflict, support military personnel, and finance classified national security programs.
The administration said the additional funding is needed to sustain operations while maintaining U.S. military readiness worldwide. According to the administration’s request, approximately $21 billion would be used to procure munitions and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base, while another $17.3 billion would cover operational costs associated with the Iran conflict.
Roughly $12.1 billion is designated for classified defense programs whose details remain undisclosed. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought told congressional leaders that “most of this request will address urgent needs” created by the war with Iran, arguing the supplemental funding is necessary to ensure American forces remain equipped and prepared.
Iran, in turn, claims it has emerged from the conflict in a position of strength. Another report claims that officials estimate the country could make $40 billion a year from managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Citing Iranian officials familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal detailed that, if implemented, the plan would be a significant windfall for the regime as it would provide a source of income it did not have before the war.
The outlet went on to note that Tehran is presenting the idea to other countries in the region and wants its neighbors to be a part of it and share the revenues to make it more appealing.
