The US MENA military bases in the crosshairs of Iran's missiles

Tehran has responded to joint American-Israeli air strikes on Iran by targeting US bases in the Gulf with ballistic missiles, which are vital for Washington's military operations in the region.

The retaliatory strikes follow from earlier Iranian warnings that all US bases in the region would be legitimate targets in the event of a US attack.

Many of these bases, however, are housed on Iran's doorstep in the Gulf region, with Tehran launching retaliatory strikes on military targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE.

The New Arab takes a look at some of the most notable US bases in the region.

Qatar

Qatar houses Al-Udeid, the largest US airbase in the region, which can host around 100 aircraft, alongside some 10,000 soldiers.

The base also acts as the headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM), which administers US operations in the region, including the ongoing war with Iran.

Iranian ballistic missiles were fired at Qatar, although it is not known if any missiles struck the airbase.

Bahrain

Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet at a base in Juffair, which hosts 9,000 personnel from the US Department of Defence. The base came under attack from Iran as part of its retaliation, with a missile striking the base.

UAE

The UAE hosts the Al-Dhafra airbase in Abu Dhabi, which is used by both the US Air Force, acting as a hub for support missions, and the UAE's own squadrons.

Iranian ballistic missiles were fired at the UAE, although it is not known if there has been any damage.

Kuwait

Kuwait hosts several important US bases, most notably Camp Arifjan, southwest of Kuwait City. The camp serves as a key logistical, supply and command hub for military operations, and was once the command and control centre for US Army Central operations.

Other bases include the Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Buehring.

Iranian ballistic missiles were fired at Kuwait, with several targeting the Ali Al Salem Air Base and being intercepted, according to Kuwait’s Defence Ministry.

One missile struck the runway of a base housing Italian troops, according to Rome, although it is not known which base was hit.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has several airbases housing US soldiers, although they are Saudi-run, including the Prince Sultan Airbase, which supports Washington's assets in the region, including logistical aircraft.

Saudi Arabia activated air defence systems to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles fired towards the capital Riyadh, it was reported.

Jordan

Jordan hosts the Muqaffaq al-Salti Air Base, which is home to the US Air Force Central's 332 Air Expeditionary Wing, and has been key to the US's military build-up against Iran.

Jordan said that it had intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles fired at the country.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurdistan has US forces at the Erbil Air Base, which serves as a hub US forces, conducting training, intelligence and logistical coordination in northern Iraq.

US air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles over Erbil as part of Iran's response.