Thursday, 10 Sep 2026 {HMC} Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao has reportedly confirmed that Iran severely damaged the largest U.S. Navy base in the Middle East, located in Bahrain.
According to The Epoch Times, Iran has maintained attacks targeting the facility since February 28, 2026. The base has now been rendered inoperable, potentially causing the United States billions of dollars in financial losses as well as significant strategic damage.
The U.S. Navy official also said efforts have begun to transport the belongings and equipment left behind by personnel who had been operating from the facility. He confirmed that U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East are now largely limited to vessels at sea and a U.S. base located on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean.
The developments appear to have renewed questions over whether the United States should reconsider its continued presence at military bases in the Middle East, particularly amid growing concerns over their security and the potential for further strategic losses.
Calls for the United States to reconsider or withdraw from some of its Middle Eastern military bases have already emerged within the country.
